Comparison of dried-leaf powder of host plants as a component of an artificial diet for the wild silkworm, Antheraea yamamai Guerin-Meneville (Lepidoptera : Saturniidae).

Dried-leaf powder of six host plants, Quercus acuta, Q. dentata, Q. acutiss ima, Q. serrata, Q. mongolica var, grosseserrata and Moulus pumila were eva luated as components of an artificial diet for rearing the wild silkworm An theraea yamamai. Small-scale rearing of 5 larvae and large-scale rearing of 20 larvae were conducted to compare the viability, growth speed and cocoon quality With respects to the cocoon qualities, Q. m. var. grosseserrata an d M. pumila were preferable components of the artificial diet. For rearing of A. yamamai as an experimental animal, leaf powder of Q. m. var. grossese rrata was a suitable component because it resulted in high survival rate, e arlier maturation and decrease of abnormal pupae.