WILD SERICIGENOUS INSECTS (LEPIDOPTERA: SATURNIIDAE) OF ASSAM, INDIAAlo Saha and Karabi DuttaAbstract A survey was conducted to document the wild sericigenous insects (wild silk moths) and their diversity in certain districts of Assam, India. An opportunistic periodic survey was conducted during the year 2015 -2019, to document the wild silk moths and their host plants. The study revealed the presence of about 11 species, belonging to 6 genera, namely Samia, Antheraea, Actias, Attacus, Cricula, and Loepa and also a variety of host plants. During day time, cocoons of wild silk moths were also collected from the forest area of Assam. The life cycle of few species has been studied to characterise the morphological characters and other growth parameters. The study also aims to highlight the importance of these less dominated wild silk moth species and the possible causes of the declining population with a view to conserve this for socio economic upliftment of the people. |