Ectoparasite
- Pronunciation
- /ek-toh-PAR-uh-syt/
- Category
- Ecology
- Singular
- ectoparasite
- Plural
- ectoparasites
Definition
A that lives on the external surface of a organism, typically feeding on blood, skin, feathers, or other surface tissues without immediately killing the host. Ectoparasites exhibit structural adaptations for attachment, feeding, and remaining on the host's exterior during part or all of their .
Etymology
Greek ektos (outside) + parasitos (one who eats at another's table)
Example
(), (), and (Ixodida) are obligate ectoparasites of mammals and birds, remaining on the 's body surface to feed on blood while using specialized mouthparts and claws to maintain position.
Synonyms
- external parasite
Related Terms
- Endoparasite
- ectoparasitoid
- Parasitism
- Host
- Vector
- Siphonaptera
- Phthiraptera
- Ixodida
- Varroa mite
Usage Notes
Distinguished from , which live inside the body. The term implies harm to the host but not immediate lethality; ectoparasitoids are a separate category that eventually kill the host. Some ectoparasites are permanent residents (), while others visit only to feed (mosquitoes, though often classified as micropredators rather than true ectoparasites). In medical and veterinary entomology, the distinction between true ectoparasitism and intermittent blood-feeding affects control strategies.