Imagine this! A female wasp stings the orbweaver spider, paralyzing the spider so the wasp can lay an egg on the spider. The spider resumes its normal activities, but now it is carrying the wasp egg. When the wasp larva hatches, it begins to suck fluids from the spider's body. Still the spider continues its normal activities. When the larva is ready to form its cocoon, the larva injects the spider with a chemical that causes the spider to build a modified web that is able to support the weight of the wasp cocoon. The normal web would not be able to do this. The wasp larva kills the spider and drains it of any remaining nutrients and forms its cocoon. The wasp then emerges from the cocoon and continues its life cycle.

What kind of relationship exists between the wasp and the orbweaver spider?

A) consumer-decomposer

B) parasite-host

C) predator-prey

D) producer-consumer

Question

Janiah Quinn

31 March, 08:18

+3

Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Bobby · Answer 1

It's B, for sure. The spider is the host to the wasps eggs, providing the eggs/larva with food and a safe 'home'.

Rayne Macias · Answer 2

D but i'm not completely sure ...