Dynamic virulence in a parasitoid wasp: the influence of clutch size and sequential oviposition on egg encapsulation

► We examine how parasitoid clutch size influences virulence (egg encapsulation). ► Clutch size negatively correlates with egg encapsulation rates by its hosts. ► Dynamic virulence: clutch size is influenced by egg load and host availability. ► Parasitoids inject chemicals with immunosuppressive properties. ► Multiple-egg clutches is a founding step for evolution of gregarious development.