Studies on the economic traits of Eri silkworm, Samia cynthia ricini, in relation to seasonal variations

The Eri silkworm, Samia cynthia ricini is a non-mulberry, domesticated, multivoltine insect, producing spun silk. It is mostly found in Assam and Meghalaya, spreading to non-traditional states like Bihar, West-Bengal, Orissa, Tamil-Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The present studies has been done by tray rearing method, spreading castor leaves over the worms in wooden trays. Of late, Ericulture is spreading to non-traditional states, owing to the availability and suitability of high yielding castor varieties. The present study is focused on economically important cocoon and post cocoon characteristics of eri silkworms reared in different seasons. The studies revealed that post cocoon parameters were highest during winter with occasional variations providing an insight into the physiological strategy of survival adopted by this silkworm species during winter (18 °– 28°C).