Parasitism [ˈpærəsaɪˌtɪzəm]
A male louse.
It is a form of an ectoparasite
Parasitism is a type of symbiotic relationship in which two organisms interact in such a way that one of the organisms benefits at the expense of the other, at times without killing it.
Types of Parasites
Ectoparasites
These include ticks, fleas, leeches, and lice. These organisms inhabit the body surface of the host and do not usually cause disease to the host.
Endoparasites
These are the parasites that live inside the host, such as the parasitic worm. Endoparasites either: inhabit spaces in the host’s body (intercellular) or inhabit cells in the host’s body (intracellular).
Examples:
Intercellular - Tapeworms and roundworms
Intracellular - Bacteria or viruses. These usually depend on a third organism, known as the vector that send the bacteria or virus to the host
Social Parasite
These parasites take advantage the social or central structure of its host species.For example, an ant species exploiting a different ant species.
A type of social parasite, the kleptoparasite thieves provisions from another organism that they caught, collected, prepared food, and even stored.
For example, brood parasitism involves the use of the host raising the young of the brood-parasite, or simply making the host organism nurture their offspring.
Mesoparasite
These are the parasites that live relatively embedded in its host. They penetrate external openings, like the buccal cavity or the external ear.
Epiparasite (action called hyperparasitism)
These are parasites that feed on other parasites. Many of the epiparasites are ectoparasites.
Parasitoid
These are organisms that have their larvae breed in or on the bodies of other arthropods; this usually results in the death of the host. Parasitoids are not considered true parasites as they kill or consume the host.
For example, a wasp lays her eggs near or in a grub. The larvae hatch within of the grub, feeding on and growing in it. Eventually, they burst out of it; therefore, killing it in the process.