Abstract
Even parasites have parasites. By definition, a hyperparasite is an
organism capable of parasitizing another parasite. Hyperparasitism
caused by fungi is a common phenomenon in nature, but it has been poorly
studied. This life history strategy evolved several times in the fungal
tree of life, and is crucial in the maintenance of ecosystems as well as
in the mediation of parasite–host interactions. Although the interest
for hyperparasitic fungi is growing in the context of biological
control, hyperparasitism is not ecologically and evolutionarily
understood. This chapter summarizes the most relevant aspects of the
terminology, diversity, and ecology of hyperparasitic fungi on both
fungal and non-fungal hosts. We also discuss the problems related to
molecular research on hyperparasitic fungi. As they represent a hidden
source of diversity, it is necessary to increase sampling efforts and to
undertake further morphological, molecular, and ecological studies to
understand these fungi and their potential biotechnological and
pharmaceutical uses.
Keywords: Ampelomyces quisqualis , biological control, host,
mycoparasite, trophic interactions, Trichoderma