parasitoids

Parasitoids are insects that lay their eggs on or inside other insects. When the eggs hatch, the developing parasitoid larvae feed on their host, eventually killing it. Unlike parasites that coexist peacefully with their hosts, parasitoids always end up killing them, making them important in controlling pest populations. Common examples include certain wasps and flies. These insects are often used in biological control programs to naturally manage pests in agriculture and ecosystems, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.