Fresh Leaf Consumption and Ratio of Leaf  Cocoon of Tropical Tasar Silk Worm Antheraea mylitta Drury (Saturniidae) During Rainy Season

A. K. DASH; U. R. JENA; B. BEHERA

Volume : V, Issue : III, March - 2016

Fresh Leaf Consumption and Ratio of Leaf Cocoon of Tropical Tasar Silk Worm Antheraea mylitta Drury (Saturniidae) During Rainy Season

A. K. Dash, U. R. Jena, B. Behera

Abstract :

 Antheraea mylitta Drury is a polyphagous silk worm which feeds on a number of different host plants. But Terminalia alata is considered to be its most preferred host plant. The amount of fresh leaf consumption is determined instar wise and during the entire larval period. The amount of leaf consumption gradually increased with progress of instars and suddenly was much higher during 5th instar. Ultimately the ratio of consumed leaf in each instar and for one cocoon was determined. It was 145. 02 g. for production of one cocoon.