Biodiversity of Sericigenous insects in Assam and their role in employment generation

Abstract

Seribiodiversity refers to the variability in silk producing insects and their host plants. The North –Eastern region of India is considered as the ideal home for a number of sericigenous insects. However, no detailed information is available on seribiodiversity of Assam. In the recent times, many important genetic resources are facing threats due to forest destruction and little importance on their management. Therefore, the present study was carried out in different regions of the state during the year 2012-2013 covering all the seasons. A total of 12 species belonging to 8 genera and 2 families were recorded during the survey. The paper also provides knowledge on taxonomy, biology and economic parameters of the sericigenous insects in Assam. Such knowledge is important for the in situ and ex- situ conservation program as well as for sustainable socio economic development and employment generation.