Comparative study on rearing performance, larval and post-cocoon characters of Tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta Drury ecoraces (Sukinda, Daba-TV and Andhra local)

Abstract

Tropical tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) is a polyphagous sericigenous insect, silk producing forest silkworm of commercial importance in India. The wide range of distribution of the species has encountered diverse geographic and climatic variations of the distinct areas, leading to marked differences in not only phenotypic and physiological traits but also in the commercial and technological aspects. The present investigation is taken up to study the influence of environmental conditions during the rearing period and the genetic variability in relation to the environment among Sukinda, Daba -TV and Andhra local ecoraces. The life history of three ecoraces from hatching to egg laying stage, larval development stages and post cocoon characteristics were studied.