Relative variations in the breeding performances of mutant strains of Antheraea mylitta D (Saturniidae: Lepidoptera)

Abstract

The present communication accounts for the relative variations in respect of coupling, egg laying and hatching performances of three mutant strains viz; Daba–blue, Daba–yellow and Daba–almond evolved from the Daba ecotype of tasar silk producing famous indigenous non–mulberry sericigenous insect of great commercial importance. Results obtained are indicative of the fact that the three mutant strains of A. mylitta D. differ among themselves in respect of their breeding performances. The breeding performances of Daba–blue in respect of coupling, egg laying and hatching have been found evidently better than the Daba–yellow and Daba–almond. The results obtained appear to be the outcome of relative variations in the genetic architecture and physio-genetic makeup among the three mutant strains of Indigenous tropical tasar silk producing insects.