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UPSC Prelims 2024 Question on – Parasitoid Species in Beetles, Flies and Wasps
Q. Consider the following:
1. Carabid beetles
2. Centipedes
3. Flies
4. Termites
5. Wasps
Parasitoid species are found in how many of the above kinds of organisms?
✅ Correct Answer: (b) Only three
Explanation:
- Carabid beetles – Yes: Some species show parasitoid behaviour in larval stages.
- Flies – Yes: Tachinid flies are classic parasitoids of other insects.
- Wasps – Yes: Many wasp species lay eggs in hosts; larvae eventually kill the host.
- Centipedes – No: They are predators, not parasitoids.
- Termites – No: Termites have no known parasitoid species.
Parasitoids share traits of both parasites and predators: their young develop in/on a host and ultimately kill it.
