Host-Parasitoid Interactions

Host-parasitoid interactions involve a parasitic organism, called a parasitoid, that lays its eggs on or inside a host, usually an insect. The developing larvae feed on the host’s tissues, eventually killing it. This relationship is a natural form of population control, helping regulate insect populations. Unlike parasites that coexist with their hosts over long periods, parasitoids nearly always kill their hosts after development. These interactions are important in ecosystems and biological control, as parasitoids can reduce pest populations without the use of chemicals.