Biology of bombyx Mori L. (lepidoptera: Bombycidae)

Studies on biology of Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) on mulberry plant showed that the silkworm moth laid the eggs which were singly coated with gummy substance, ellipsoidal in shape and dull white in colour under the laboratory condition. The average incubation period and hatching percentage were 8.32 ± 1.179 days and 91.60 ± 5.317 per cents, respectively. The larvae passed through five instars. The average larval period was 24.44 ± 1.509 days while pupal weight and duration varied from 0.622 ± 0.052 g and 12.54 ± 1.22 days, respectively. Shell weight varied from 0.105 ± 0.022 g. The average pre-oviposition, oviposition and postoviposition periods were, 0.43 ± 0.028, 2.30 ± 0.483 and 3.50 ± 0.527 days, respectively. The average fecundity of the female was 269 ± 30.21 eggs during entire life span. The average longevity of male and female moth was, 5.60 ± 0.699 and 6.23 ± 0.431 days, respectively. The life span of female was found to be relatively more than male moth.