Consider the following:
- Carabid beetles
- Centipedes
- Flies
- Termites
- Wasps
Parasitoid species are found in how many of the above kind of organisms?
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) All five
The correct answer is: (b) Only three (1, 3 & 5)
- Carabid beetles:
- Carabid beetles, a diverse family of ground beetles, exhibit a range of behaviors, including predation and parasitism.
- While most carabid beetles are known for their predatory habits, some species do exhibit parasitoid behavior.
- Centipedes:
- Centipedes are predatory arthropods that are primarily carnivorous.
- They do not have any known parasitoid species.
- Flies:
- Many species of flies, especially those in the families Tachinidae and Sarcophagidae, have parasitoid species.
- These flies lay their eggs in or on other insects, and the larvae develop inside the host, eventually killing it.
- Termites:
- Termites are primarily decomposers and are not typically associated with parasitoid behavior.
- However, certain species of flies and wasps can act as parasitoids to termites.
- Wasps:
- Wasps, especially those in the families Ichneumonidae and Braconidae, are well-known for their parasitoid behavior.
- They lay their eggs in or on a host insect, and the developing larvae consume the host from the inside.
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Parasitoid Species
- Definition: A parasitoid is an organism that spends a significant portion of its life attached to or within a single host organism, ultimately leading to the host’s death. This is different from parasites, which usually do not kill their hosts.
- Life Cycle:
- The life cycle of parasitoids typically involves laying eggs on or inside a host.
- The larvae hatch and feed on the host’s tissues, eventually leading to the host’s demise.
- Adult parasitoids emerge from the host to continue the cycle.
- Ecological Role:
- Parasitoids play a crucial role in biological control by naturally regulating the populations of their hosts, many of which are agricultural pests.
- They contribute to the balance of ecosystems by keeping pest populations in check.
- Examples:
- Tachinid flies: These flies are parasitoids of caterpillars, beetles, and other insects.
- Braconid wasps: They parasitize caterpillars, aphids, and beetle larvae.
- Ichneumon wasps: Known for their long ovipositors, they target caterpillars, beetles, and other insects.
- Adaptations:
- Parasitoids have evolved various adaptations to locate and exploit their hosts, including acute sensory organs to detect host cues, venoms to paralyze hosts, and behavioral strategies to avoid host defenses.
- Importance in Agriculture:
- By reducing pest populations, parasitoids help minimize the need for chemical pesticides, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
- They are often introduced as part of integrated pest management (IPM) programs to control invasive pest species.
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