Food plant diversity, distribution, and nutritional aspects of the endemic golden silk producing silkworm,<i>Antheraea assamensis</i>– a review

Muga silkworms, Antheraea assamensis (Helfer) (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) is a semi-domesticated sericigenous insect that produces the costliest golden colored exquisite silk. The silkworm endemic to Assam and adjoining areas of northeastern India. This multivoltine feeds on variety perennial food plants. However, less known about plants other than primary ones, namely Persea bombycina Kost. Litsea monopetala (Roxb.) Pers. (both Lauraceae) in terms rearing performances, diversity, nutritional aspects, silkworm-food plant relationships. Here, we review utilization present status based published information field observations. Although 37 species belonging eight families – Magnoliaceae, Lauraceae, Celastraceae, Verbenaceae, Apocynaceae, Symplocaceae, Rutaceae, Rhamnaceae were reported previously, only P. L. have been exploited commercially are being utilized farming. Some documented previously six Cinnamomum spp., five three Symplocos Zanthoxylum Actinodaphne two Celastrus spp. Systematic documentation, evaluation, conservation these urgently needed preserve their gene pool wild habitats. Silkworm farming forest vicinity tea silkworm-based (as shade tree) may be experimentally tried which will aid biodiversity with economic benefit.