Population dynamics of Antheraea frithi Moore in different ecopockets in Manipur (North East India)

Population dynamics of Antheraea frithi in four ecopockets revealed that, it was found mainly on its primary host plant, Lithoearpus dealbata. The maximum population of A. frithi was observed in Luwangsangol, Senapati district of Manipur. Correlation analysis between the total insect population and the abiotic factors showed significant positive correlation with average temperature in Yumnam Khunou and Luwangsangol ecopockets. The values of economic parameters of A. frithi showed highest cocoon weight (5.13 g), shell weight (0.58 g) and pupal weight (4.55 g) in Pukhao ecopocket, whereas shell ratio (13.7%) was highest in cocoons collected from Luwangsangol. The economic characters showed positive correlation with temperature (P<0.05, 0.1) and humidity. A. frithi being bivoltine species and the cocoon characteristics was at par with that of already established silkworm Antheraea proylei, therefore, its conservation and mass multiplication will be able to sustain the production of commercial raw silk in the state.