Parasitoid

usgb/ˈpærəsaɪtɔɪd/
noun

A parasitoid is an organism, typically an insect, that spends a significant portion of its life cycle attached to or within a host organism, ultimately resulting in the host's death.

The wasp is a well-known example of a parasitoid, as it lays its eggs inside caterpillars.
Visual representation of "parasitoid" - A parasitoid is an organism, typically an insect, that spends a significant portion of its life cycle attached to or within a host organism, ultimately resulting in the host's death.

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host organism,parasitoid behavior,ecological role

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Visual representation of "parasitoid"
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Ecological Concept

In ecology, understanding what a parasitoid does helps explain ecological interactions.

Illustration for Ecological Concept
Parasitoids play a critical role in controlling pest populations.
Visual representation of the word "Parasitoid"

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