A review on heat stress altering the insect life history strategies and underlying mechanisms: Special reference to an economically important Lepidoptera, Bombyx mori (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)

Abstract

Lepidoptera is an order belonging to class Insecta consisting of Rhopalocera and Heterocera. B. mori belongs to this order and is the backbone of sericulture. Sericulture, the culture, rearing and maintenance of Bombyx mori (Linnaeus, 1785) for silk production, is widely practiced in India, contributing to its economy and providing livelihoods to many, especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Temperature and humidity affect silk production greatly. Heat shock genes and proteins protect B. mori to a certain extent from increased heat stress. However, outside this range, silkworm biology suffers. The silkworm adapts to heat by upregulating thermotolerance genes and proteins, especially heat shock proteins (HSPs). Produce different heat-resistant proteins at different temperatures. Larvae, embryos, and cocoons are affected by heat stress. Given the silkworm’s sensitivity to temperature and humidity and the alarming pace of climate change and global warming faced by the earth, it is necessary to consider solutions that will allow B. mori to adapt in the future decades. Molecular and enzymatic markers may help screen thermotolerant silkworm breeds. Given this insect’s temperature sensitivity, global warming and climate change may harm it even more than other insects. Therefore, to save this insect and the sericulture sector, steps must be taken in this direction.