SeasonalityFemales found from late May – September. Males found from early May – October. Juveniles overwinter.
IdentificationFemale: Total length 5-7 mm. Both cephalothorax and abdomen are primarily blackish, both dorsally and ventrally. Abdomen may have thin, light heart mark; and has several white spots. Epigynum has small hood, and has a fairly shallow cavity. The median septum is long and thin, but thickens at the posterior third to become approximately as wide at its base as the copulatory openings on either side of it. Exact ratio similar to P. sternalis, so this character cannot be used reliably where those species are interspersed.
Male: Patterned similarly to female. Tibia of palpus noticeably hirsute, all palpus segments blackish save patella. Embolus long, thin, and strongly arched. Terminal apophysis with distally pointing tip; and has large, stout basal process. Median apophysis has two processes – short one at base, long curved one at tip. Tarsus on first leg is comparable to other tarsi in proportion and color, unlike some of its close relatives.