Physiological and biochemical studies of Eri silkworm

The Eri silkworm, Samia cynthia ricini, is a non-mulberry, domesticated silkworm producing spun silk. Eri culture is practiced mainly for protein rich pupae, a delicacy for the tribal people. These are mostly found in North eastern states of Assam and Meghalaya, spreading to non-traditional states like Bihar, West-Bengal, Orissa ,Tamilnadu, Kerala, Karnataka , Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. . Ericulture is one of the predominant activities in many parts of Assam (rural areas like Kamrup, Goalpara, Bongaigaon, Diburagh and Lakhimpur districts) The high content of trehalose in haemolymph followed by fat body and silk gland maybe due to the energy demand of the insect, and the increase in protein content may be attributed to higher rate of protein synthesis via conversion of the nutrients of consumed leaves mainly into the silk gland followed by haemolymph and fat body. The corresponding increase in protease and amylase activity in winter season when compared to summer and rainy seasons also suggests effective digestion and absorption of carbohydrate and protein content and climatic adaptability.