A Study of Philosamia Ricini Life Cycle for ERI Culture in Northern Planes of India

Abstract

Eri silk has a grand share in Indian silk industry. After mulberry silk it is the second most produced types of silk in the terms of quantity. Eri silk is obtained from Philosamia ricini, a continuously breeding lepidopteran. It feeds on Ricinus communis leaves. In comparison to other silkworms Eri silkworm is less prone to diseases; as a result, it has emerged as a suitable option for silk production in plane regions. It can be cultured three times in a year i.e. in October, February & March. The worm completes its life cycle in four stages and the time required to complete one cycle varies according to climatic conditions. This study has been carried out to provide an insight into the various changes in mortality rate, weight, disease resistance, the rate of food consumption, time taken to complete life cycle and different stages shown by the worm. The observations revealed remarkable changes in above mentioned patterns under local climatic conditions.