Parasitoids are organisms living in or on their host and feeding directly upon it, eventually leading to its death. They are much like parasites in their close symbiotic relationship with their host or hosts. Like the previous two classifications parasitoid predators do not kill their hosts instantly. However, unlike parasites, they are very similar to true predators in that the fate of their prey is quite inevitably death. A well-known example of a parasitoids are the ichneumon wasps, solitary insects living a free life as an adult, then laying eggs on or in another species such as a caterpillar. Its larva(e) feed on the growing host causing it little harm at first, but soon devouring the internal organs until finally destroying the nervous system resulting in prey death. By this stage the young wasp(s) are developed sufficiently to move to the next stage in their life cycle. Though limited mainly to the insect order Hymenoptera, Diptera and Coleoptera parasitoids make up as much as 10% of all insect species. COUNT 7
QSN1 This species relies on other species to provide a reproductive host for their offspring. ANS1 ichneumon wasps QSN2 It is believed that parasitoids account for what percentage of the total insect population?  ANS2 10% QSN3 During a parasitoid-host interaction what will happen to the host? ANS3 death QSN4 What is the term given to organisms living and feeding on their host? ANS4 Parasitoids QSN5 How many organisms in the insect species are Diptera or Cleoptera parasitoids? ANS5 10% QSN6 Which type of wasp is a well-known example of a parasitoid? ANS6 ichneumon QSN7 How do the larvae of the parasitoid wasps kill their prey? ANS7 devouring the internal organs until finally destroying the nervous system