How is Mosca presented as a parasitic figure in Volpone?

Clearly, the way in which Mosca's name is derived from the
Italian for fly presents us with the theme of parasitism in the play at its very
beginning. Most importantly, however, is Mosca's soliloquy in Act III scene 1, where he
praises the position of being a parasite, and also argues that everyone is actually a
parasite, to a lesser or a greater extent. Consider what he says about the role of being
a parasite:

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O! your parasite

Is
a most precious thing, dropt from above,

Not bred 'mongst
clods, and clodpoles, here on earth.

I muse, the mystery
was not made a science,

It is so liberally profest!
almost

All the wise world is little else, in
nature,

But parasites, or
sub-parasites.

Mosca's view
of the world, with everyone feeding off others in some way of course is borne out by the
action in the play. All the characters are shown to attempt living off the riches of
other characters, avoiding hard work themselves. Clearly, the three death-bed suitors
are perfect examples of people "sucking" wealth from others, but let us also remeber
that Volpone is only rich because of his ability to extract wealth from
others.

What is key to realise however is the way that
parasitism is presented in an extremely positive light. As Mosca shows and discusses, it
takes considerable intelligence and skill to be a successful parasite. It is not about
laziness. Consider how Mosca presents the "art" of being a "true"
parasite:

But
your fine elegant rascal, that can rise,

And stoop, almost
together, like an arrow;

Shoot through the air as nimbly as
a star;

Turn short as doth a swallow; and be
here,

And there, and here, and yonder, all at
once;

Present to any humour, all
occasion;

And change a visor, swifter than a
thought!

This is the creature had the art born with
him;

Parasitism is therefore
depicted as a form of superiority, as the successful parasite "feeds" off other
characters through their abilities to manipulate and deceive.