I have observed two silk work cocoons (which look like tasar silk worm cocoons) on an eucalyptus tree in my clonal trial at Navsari, Gujarat. The cocoons were collected from 12 m height. Has anybody observed such cocoons on eucalyptus? Is there any earlier reports?
Dear Santoshkumar,
I think Eucalyptus is a new host of Antheraea mylitta (tasar silkworm) recorded by you in India. Please have a look at these PDF attachments for hosts of tasar silkworm in India.
Good luck
Thanks for the literature/host list and reply and yes, it will be interesting to study whether eucalypt can be a alternate host for tasar silk worm or not.
It is a quite interesting observation Dr. Santoshkumar A Huse. Keep on updating about the matter. If there is further more interesting can you can publish it, with some good field photos and data.
Have a good day
Yes probably its first reporting as Eucalyptus is not preferential host for tassar silk. Also identify the insect whether it is same or different . How many trees you found such cocoon or an isolated case. If such it can be inoculate in other eucalyptus to see further occurrence. Report it in short notes for benefit of other researchers.
The two cocoons were collected from a single tree. Insect from one has already escaped however, we looking forward to see the other one. I have also contacted the sericulturist. Soon, I'll update the things.
This is in continuation to my earlier post on 'Tasar silk worm observed on Eucalyptus'. The insect has now emerged out of the cocoon, I had. It is now confirmed that it is tasar silk worm. I am sharing herewith some of the pictures of the moth.
I have gone through several books and internet sources but nowhere I could find Eucalyptus as a natural host for tasar silk worm. Further, it is also very difficult to believe that the larvae (in forth/fifth instar, fed on some other tree and climbed on Eucalyptus tree that too at 12 m height and went into cocoon stage. More interestingly, there were no alternate host in the eucalyptus clonal trial.
Experts are requested to focus light on this observation.
Really good to keep the discussion going on.
May be to confirm the host nature of eucalyptus_you can tear tasar silkworms. Try to make an attempt.
Keep me updated. Really interesting observation
Good day