Neog, Kartik and Unni, B G and Ahmed, Giasuddin
(2011)
Studies on the influence of host plants and effect of chemical
stimulants on the feeding behavior in the muga silkworm,
Antheraea assamensis.
Journal of Insect Science, 11 (133).
pp. 1-16.
ISSN 1536-2442
Abstract
The feeding habits of Antheraea assamensis, Helfer (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) larvae towards the
leaves of its four different host plants, Persea bombycina King ex. Hook (Laurales: Lauraceae),
Litsea polhantha Jussieu, L. salicifolia Roxburgh ex. Nees and L. citrata Blume, and the
chemical basis of feeding preference were investigated. Nutritional superiority of young and
medium leaves with respect to soluble protein, total phenol and phenylalanine ammonia lyase
activity was observed in the leaves of P. bombycina compared to other host plants. Attraction and
feeding tests with detached leaves and artificial diet with different chemical stimulants revealed
that a mixture of the flavonoids, myrcetin, and 7, 2’, 4’ trimethoxy dihydroxy flavone with sterol
compound β-sitosterol elicited the most biting behavior by A. assamensis larvae. While linalyl
acetate alone attracted larvae towards the leaves of the host plants, a mixture of caryophyllene,
decyl aldehyde and dodecyl aldehyde was found to both attract them to the host leaves and cause
biting behavior. Azaindole was found to deter them from the host plants.
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