1. of, relating to, or being a parasite that parasitizes another parasite
Usage: biology; technical

Examples

• The hyperparasitic wasp lays its eggs inside the body of a parasitic fly larva.
• Hyperparasitic relationships create complex food webs in ecosystems.
• Scientists study hyperparasitic organisms to understand multi-level parasitism.
• The fungus exhibits hyperparasitic behavior by infecting the pathogenic mold that attacks crops.
• Hyperparasitic insects can help control pest populations indirectly.