Midgut serine proteinases participate in dietary adaptations of the castor (Eri) silkworm Anderson transferred from to an ancestral host, Roxb.

Dietary change influenced the life-history traits, nutritional utilization, and midgut serine proteinases in the larvae of the domesticated polyphagous , transferred from (common name: castor; family Euphorbiaceae; the host plant implicated in its domestication) to (common name: Indian tree of heaven; family Simaroubaceae; an ancestral host of wild species). Significantly higher values for fecundity and body weight were observed in larvae feeding on (Scr diet), and they took less time to reach pupation than insects feeding on (Scai diet). Nevertheless, the nutritional index for efficiency of conversion of digested matter (ECD) was similar for larvae feeding on the two plant species, suggesting the physiological adaptation of (especially older instars) to an diet.

Genetic variation within native populations of endemic silkmoth Antheraea assamensis (Helfer) from Northeast India indicates need for in situ conservation.

A. assamensis is a phytophagous Lepidoptera from Northeast India reared on host trees of Lauraceae family for its characteristic cocoon silk. Source of these cocoons are domesticated farm stocks that crash frequently and/or wild insect populations that provide new cultures.