Predators
       
  What is the most important rice field predator?  
  Identify and describe the wolf spider (Pardosa pseudoannulata).  
       
Pardosa pseudoannulata
  

The most important predator in rice fields is the wolf spider Pardosa pseudoannulata (Boes. and Str.) of the family Lycosidae. Recognize the adult male by the large black pedipalps near the mouth, and the female by the egg sac it carries:

Pardosa pseudoannulata - male and female

 
Especially likes hoppers and moths
   P. pseudoannulata does not spin webs; it hunts its prey in the rice fields. It is often found near the base of the rice plants. It attacks many kinds of rice insect pests, especially hoppers and moths.
  
   
Pardosa pseudoannulata attacking hoppers
Next lesson
   In the next lesson, we will learn about other important spiders in the rice field.