How can hyperparasitism occur among Hymenoptera?

Hyperparasitism among Hymenoptera occurs when a species adopts a parasitic habit upon another species that is already acting as a parasitoid.

In this relationship, the hyperparasitic wasp targets a primary parasitoid—such as another hymenopteran—that is currently developing within or on an original host, such as a lepidopteran or a sawfly. By feeding on the primary parasitoid, the hyperparasite effectively exploits the resources already secured by the first parasite. This behavior is distinct from standard parasitoidism, where the insect larvae feed directly on the body of a non-parasitic host to complete their development.123