koinobiont

Definition

A type of parasitoid that allows its host to continue its development for an extended period before eventually killing it.

Etymology

From Greek 'koinos', meaning 'common' or 'shared', and 'bios', meaning 'life'.

Example

Many species of wasps are koinobionts, laying their eggs inside caterpillars and allowing the host to grow before the larvae consume it from within.

Synonyms

• Endoparasitoid

Related Terms

• Parasitoid
• Ectoparasitoid
• Host
• Parasite

Usage Notes

Koinobionts contrast with idiobionts, which kill or paralyze their hosts immediately upon parasitization. The strategy allows koinobiont larvae to develop alongside the growing host.