STUDIES ON HOST PLANTS IN DEVELOPING OF ERISILK WORM, PHILOSAMNIA RICINI (LEPIDOPTERA : SATURNIDAE)
B. VIITTAL RAO *
DEPTT. OF BIOLOGY, JAWAHAR NAVODAYA VIDYALAYA, MAMNOUR, WARANGAL-506 111, INDIA.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Growth, development and progeny of Philosamnia ricini (Erisilk worm) can be studied after feeding on primary food plant ie. castor. The secondary food plants like papaya, Tapioca and jetropa are also found suitable feeding plants for the growth and development of erisilk worm and effecting rearing rate by considering climatic factors of temperature and humidity and geographical conditions. The larval pupal and adult characters along with the progeny were found better in the normal temperature. The feeding that growth of the larva and the cocoon formations spinning of the pupa are found significant higher with high ERR%, moreover, free from diseases during larval stages (when compared with mulber om