Relation Between Female Cocoons (pupae) Measurements and the Number of Eggs Laid (fecundity) by the Wild Silk Moth Epiphora bauhiniae (Gurin-meneville) Lepidopetera: Saturniidae

Abstract

This study was conducted in Gedarif state, Sudan during the season 2009-2010. The aim of the study was to determine correlation between the eggs laid by the female of E. bauhiniae and the weight, length and girth of the cocoons (pupae) that the insect emerged from them. Laboratory study was done using a cage specially constructed for the study with four rooms to allow insect to emerge and deposit her eggs separately. The result showed that the numbers of eggs laid by the insect are significantly associated with weight, length and girth of the female cocoons. This result reflects the positive correlation between the measurements of cocoons and fecundity of the emerged insect.