Impact of Ant Infestation on Muga Silkworms: Insights from Farmer Observations

Abstract

The present study investigates the incidence and infestation of ants, a ubiquitous predator in muga silkworm (Antheraea assamensis Helfer) rearing. A survey was conducted during August 2021 to July 22 across Jorhat and Lakhimpur districts of Assam, involving 120 respondents from 8 villages.  The findings revealed 100% of ant infestation during muga silkworm rearing, by Oecophylla smaragdina (Fabricus) emerging as the most frequently observed and predacious species, particularly targeting the early larval instars. The respondents reported peak ant predation during the Aherua (June-July) crop cycle, with an estimated 1-25% crop loss. This study highlights the need for developing effective management strategies to mitigate the impact of ant predation on muga silk production.