Geospatial mapping of ecoraces of tasar silkworm (Antheraea mylitta Drury) using remote sensing and geographic information system techniques

Abstract

Tropical Tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta Drury (Family: Saturniidae) produces Tasar silk which has very high demand globally and because of their wide range of distribution in tropical regions, they have adapted to different niches forming different ecoraces. In Odisha, alone seven types of ecoraces of A. mylitta have been reported, namely Modal, Sukinda, Nalia, Jata-Daba, Adaba, Umerkote, and Boudh. These ecoraces show differences in their phenotypes, genetic constitution, fecundity, voltinism, etc. In the past few decades, there is the substantial deterioration of habitats due to many anthropogenic activities. This has resulted in a large decline in wild Tasar cocoon production. Lepidopterans are accepted as ecological indicators of ecosystem health and it is apprehended that through anthropogenic and climatic factors this precious genetic resource, which took millions of years to evolve, may face the threat of extinction shortly if adequate conservation measures are not taken. This paper attempts the geospatial mapping of these ecoraces in the state of Odisha through RS and GIS tools, which will provide a greater scenario for their conservation