[1] Its microhabitat are the water-filled hollow internodes of decaying bamboo, where it preys for aquatic animals, especially mosquito larvae.

On the flattened carapace, there is a central whitish band, which is much larger in the female.

On the opisthosoma there are four to five transverse, yellowish bands, and a light area near the spinnerets.

The genitals are very similar to those of Cyrba, and P. wanlessi seems to have separated from it mainly due to its lifestyle.

The species is named in honor of Fred R. Wanless, who contributed much to the knowledge about the subfamily Spartaeinae.