superparasitize

Superparasitism is a biological phenomenon where an already parasitized host is attacked and further parasitized by another individual of the same parasite species. This means that a single host organism becomes infected by more than one parasite of the same kind. It is distinct from multiparasitism, where a host is attacked by different species of parasites.

Superparasitism can occur in various types of parasitism, including endoparasitism, where parasites live inside the host, and ectoparasitism, where they live on the outside. It is particularly well-studied in parasitoid insects, where the superparasitizing individual, often a female wasp, lays her eggs in a host already containing the larvae of conspecifics.

The consequences of superparasitism for the host can be severe, as it increases the overall parasite burden and stress. For the parasite population, superparasitism can lead to increased competition among larvae within the host, potentially resulting in fewer or weaker offspring surviving. Some parasite species have evolved behaviors to avoid superparasitism, such as females recognizing the presence of conspecific eggs or larvae on a host. Conversely, other species may exhibit superparasitism as a strategy to ensure at least some offspring survive, even if competition is high. The prevalence and impact of superparasitism vary greatly depending on the specific parasite-host system and environmental conditions.