Cleptoparasite
- Pronunciation
- /klep-toh-PAIR-uh-syt/
- Category
- Behavior
- Singular
- Cleptoparasite
- Plural
- Cleptoparasites
Definition
An organism that steals food or other resources collected by another organism, commonly observed in some species of insects and arachnids.
Etymology
From Greek 'klepto-', meaning 'to steal', and 'parasitos', meaning 'one who eats at the table of another'.
Example
The cleptoparasite bee species lays its eggs in the nests of other bee species, allowing its larvae to consume the food stored by the host.
Synonyms
- Kleptoparasite
- Brood parasite
Related Terms
Usage Notes
Cleptoparasitism can occur in various taxa, including insects like bees and wasps, and can significantly impact the host's reproductive success.