Muga Silk Culture

Muga silkworm, Antheraea assamensis Helfer, is a multivoltine, polyphagous insect belonging to the sub order Lepidoptera and family Saturniidae that spin cocoons of golden yellow colored hue. The primary food plants of Muga silkworm are ‘Som’ (Machilus bombycina syn Persea bombycina), ‘Soalu’ (Litseaea polyantha synLitsea monopetala), besides many other secondary food plants viz. Mezankari (Litsaea cubeba syn L. citrate), Dighloti (Litsaea salicifolia), Ber (Ziziphus jujube) etc. Muga silkworm is semi — domesticated and is reared outdoor.