hyperparasitism
/ˌhaɪpərˈpɛrəsaɪtɪzəm/
noun
- A relationship in which one parasite lives on or inside another parasite.
- Hyperparasitism occurs when a wasp lays its eggs inside a caterpillar that is already hosting a parasitic fly.
- Farmers sometimes use hyperparasitism as a natural way to control pest populations.
- The study of hyperparasitism helps scientists understand complex food webs in ecosystems.