A spider wasp (Priocnemis oregona (Banks), frantically drags its paralyzed prey to an underground burrow. The wasp will then use its ovipositor to place a single egg inside the disabled spider before safely burying it from other predators. When the developing larvae hatches inside the spider it will feed upon its living host until the final stage of development, whereupon the host is finally killed. The larval wasp then forms a protective cocoon around itself before developing into its adult form. Smith Rock State Park. Deschutes County, Central Oregon. NOTE: The Trap Door Spider depicted here is either Antrodiaetus montanus (Chamberlin & Ivie) or Antrodiaetus pugnax.
