superparasites

Superparasitism is a phenomenon in parasitology where a host is parasitized by more than one individual of the same parasitic species. This is distinct from multiparasitism, which involves multiple individuals of different parasitic species infecting the same host. In superparasitism, the supernumerary parasites are the same species as the primary parasite already present. This can occur when a host is attacked and successfully infected by a parasite, and then subsequently attacked and infected by another individual of the same species before the first parasite has completed its development or killed the host.

The consequences of superparasitism can vary depending on the parasite and host. In some cases, the supernumerary parasites may compete with the primary parasite for resources within the host, potentially leading to reduced survival or development for all individuals involved. In other instances, the supernumerary parasites might be eliminated by the primary parasite, a process known as self-superparasitism avoidance. Certain parasitic species have evolved mechanisms to detect and eliminate conspecific competitors within a host.

Superparasitism is frequently observed in parasitoid wasps, a group of insects that lay their eggs in or on other insects, ultimately killing them. When a female parasitoid wasp parasitizes a host that is already carrying an egg or larva of the same species, it is a case of superparasitism. The outcomes of superparasitism in parasitoids are diverse and can include the survival of only one individual, multiple individuals, or the death of all developing larvae due to competition or defensive responses by the host. The study of superparasitism provides insights into host-parasite interactions, competition dynamics, and the evolutionary strategies employed by parasites to maximize their reproductive success.