Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
 

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idiobiont

Representative Images

MN - Giant Ichneumons (Megarhyssa atrata) 2009061504 - Megarhyssa atrata - female Stinkbug egg parasitoids. 8/25/12 - Trissolcus Parasitic wasp 7/5/10 8:20AM - Hercus fontinalis

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)
Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)
No Taxon (Glossary)
No Taxon (I)
No Taxon idiobiont

Explanation of Names

Greek idios distinct, personal; + biont living (1).

Identification

Idiobiont parasitoids are those that prevent further development of the host after initial parasitization; typically they attack a host life stage that is immobile (e.g., an egg or pupa; though often a larva as well), and almost without exception idiobiont parasitoids live outside the host (altered from Wikipedia--Parasitoid). Typically, idiobionts attack hosts in concealed situations and have a broad range of hosts--are generalists (1). Contrast koinobiont.

Remarks

Editorial note: the statement that idiobionts "have a broad range of hosts--are generalists" (1) does not appear to square with the etymology--idios meaning distinct, personal. Perhaps this refers to the development outside the host body?

See Also

parasitoid
koinobiont

Print References

Gordh and Headrick, p. 466 (1)

Internet References

Wikipedia--Parasitoid
Chris Raper--Parasitic Wasps

Works Cited

1.A Dictionary of Entomology
George Gordh, David H. Headrick. 2003. CABI Publishing.
Contributed by Cotinis on 6 April, 2012 - 6:42pm
Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset
Last updated 7 August, 2019 - 4:47pm

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