Parasitic castration

Definition

A reproductive manipulation where a parasite inhibits or prevents the host from developing functional reproductive organs, effectively rendering it sterile.

Etymology

From the Greek 'parasitos', meaning 'one who eats at another's table', and the Latin 'castrare', meaning 'to castrate', referring to the removal of reproductive organs.

Example

Some parasitic wasps induce parasitic castration in their host insects, ensuring that they are the sole source of offspring.

Related Terms

• Parasitoid
• Reproductive manipulation
• Host-parasite interaction

Usage Notes

Parasitic castration is a form of reproductive parasitism where the parasite benefits by reducing competition for resources and increasing its own chances of survival and reproduction.