Shifting from semi-domestic to indoor rearing Antheraea proylei Jolly, 1970 of oak gives good results in terms of all parameters of its life cycle (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)

Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate the influence of controlled conditions of temperature and humidity on rearing and economic parameters of the Antheraea proylei Jolly, 1970. The experiments were carried out at Regional Tasar Research Station, Bhimtal (29º21’18”N 79º33’3”E) during the spring season of three years i. e. 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18. In case of the control/indoor conditions the temperature and humidity were maintained at 25 ± 2ºC and 70-75% respectively, with a photoperiod of 12:12 (L:D) hrs., while the outdoor rearing was completely under natural conditions. It was found that the fecundity of a single female moth was 174.80 ± 7.22 under controlled conditions, whereas it was 148.33 ± 9.05 under natural conditions. The larvae showed significantly better growth and development under the controlled conditions resulting in improved economic traits as compared to outdoor/natural conditions. The larval weight showed significant positive correlation with most of the economic parameters, except total larval duration, peduncle length and silk conversion index. The contribution rates of the first 2 principal components were 65.45% and 18.22%. The study suggests that the rearing of Antheraea proylei if carried out in indoor/controlled conditions gives better results and reduces the cost of cocoon production.