Oviposition substrates vs fecundity and egg hatchability of samia cynthia ricini Boisduval (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae)

Eri silkworm’s (Samia Cynthia ricini Boisduval) egg laying capacity was evaluated on different substrates. Observations on eggs laid, unrealized fecundity and hatchability revealed that maximum eggs laid was recorded on horizontally placed nylon net bag (366.2 eggs with 94% hatchability) followed by vertically placed kharika (365.3 eggs with 90% hatchability). Poor egg laying and hatchability was noticed on plastic sheet (250 eggs with 61% hatchability). After egg laying, the moths were examined for eggs un-laid retained in ovarioles. Maximum eggs were found in plastic sheet (85 eggs) and minimum in nylon net bag (38 eggs) followed by kharika (40 eggs). Among all the oviposition substrates tried, nylon net bag was more advantageous due to cost effectiveness, easy harvesting of eggs and extended durability of the device for egg laying.