Wild silk is very vital biological resource and has a very crucial role in economic and social development of mankind. Wild silk is better than other silks from the view point of healthcare. Therefore, the book contain taxonomy of wild silkmoths, under which 9 new subspecies of Antheraea mylitta have been described for avoiding confusion with ecoraces which refer to Antheraea mylitta indica, A.m. jujubi, A.m. arjuni, A.m. greyi, A.m. kolhapurensis, A.m. koynei, A.m. sathei, A.m. badami and A.m. sahyadricus. The book also contains biology of wild silkmoths Attacus atlas (Linn.), Actias selene Hubner and A.m. kolhapurensis. Rearing techniques for A. atlas, A. selene and A.m. kolhapurensis with different food plants and their assessment by food consumption potential/cocoon characterization and development rate has given special emphasis in the book. Thus, the book is unique on biodiversity of wild silkmoths and the wild silk technology which will be very helpful for students, teachers, farmers, sericulturists and researchers in India and at global scenario.

In India, the production to tropical tasar silk remained next to mulberry silk for decades, constituting about 4 per cent of the total silk production. Here is an ever increasing demand for tasar silk owing to its strength, lustre and copper brown colour. The tasar silk production has stagnated and declined in the recent past through the demand is increasing. The important reasons for low production are attributed to traditional method of silkworm rearing on all trees in natural habitat, which exposes the larvae to a number of predators, parasites and diseases apart from natural vagaries. The wild sericigenous insects like tasar silkworms have in due course of time came to stay as semi domestic for the regular efforts and interests that revolved round its economic utility. Age-old craft lived with the age-old practices linked with the culture and tradition of the aboriginals; has not allowed the industry to take a commercial shape and spread. However, due stress on the application of 4 Ms, viz., man, material, machine and management need to be emphasized towards enhancing quality linked production. Considering the overall potentiality of wild silkmoths in India, the technology perfection and its adoption could go a long way in harnessing the available flora for rearing tasar silkworms which in turn can be expected to increase the cocoon productivity. In this book emphasis has been given on the types of cocoon, quality and quantum of cocoon production and introduction of improvised seed technology package. This is expected to help the readers a systematic and scientific way of cultivating the tasar. Discussion has been made as to the significance of tropical tasar culture for sustainable development. Relevant detailed references, illustrations and tables with exhaustive index had an enduring appeal for the sericulturists, biotechnologists, technocrats and students of sericulture background. Contents Chapter 1: Introduction; Chapter 2: Silk Scenario; Chapter 3: Taxonomic Profile of Silkworms; Chapter 4: Development and Biometry; Chapter 5: Biometry and Typology; Chapter 6: The Future Scenario.

This Book Presents A Comprehensive Exposition Of Silk Technology And Covers Various Aspects Of Post Cocoon Technology, Right From Cocoon Formation And Reeling Upto Fabric Finishing In Substantial Detail. The Chapter On Silk Reeling In Particular, Is Exemplary, Furnishing All The Minute Process Techniques.The Indian Standards Of Raw Silk Testing And Grading Have Been Discussed In Depth. The Chinese, Japanese And Other International Standards For Raw Silk Testing Have Also Been Included. Major Issues Like The Present Quality Of Raw Silk In India The Measures To Be Taken To Improve The Quality And The Status Of Indian Silk Industry Have Been Elaborately Described.The Chapters On Weaving And Wet Processing Of Silk Describe The Process And The Factors Involved Therein. Detailed Projects On Silk Reeling, Twisting Weaving And Wet Processing Units Have Been Included.The Original Data Several Tables Illustrations And The Detailed Analysis Of Research Data Provided, Make This A Unique Source Of Information In Silk Technology.

The Saturniidae are among the largest and showiest moths in North America. This comprehensive work covers the life history and taxonomy of a hundred species and subspecies of these Lepidoptera. The beautiful adults and larvae of all species are illustrated in thirty color plates, which are supported by line drawings of cocoons, distribution maps, and photographs of behavior. More than a natural history guide, this book includes chapters in population biology, life history strategies, disease and parasitoids, and the importance of silk moths of human culture. The systematic account emphasizes genetic differences among populations and the process of speciation and presents new information on experimental hybridization and life histories. For the student, researcher, and naturalist, here is practical information on collecting, rearing, and conducting original research. The entire text is referenced to an extensive bibliography.

The remarkable properties of silk fibres have gained them a prominent place in the field of technical textiles. Advances in Silk Science and Technology explores recent developments in silk processing, properties and applications. Techniques for manufacturing spider silk are also discussed and the current and future applications of this fibre are reviewed. Part One focuses on the properties and processing of silk from both silkworms and spiders. It addresses recent advances in our understanding of the properties of silk and offers systematic coverage of the processing of silk from spinning through to finishing, as well as an analysis of quality testing for silk fibres, yarns and fabrics. Part Two then addresses important applications of silk from silkworms and spiders, and includes chapters on the use of silk in polymer matrix composites and in different kinds of biomaterial. The book concludes with a chapter on developments in the use of silk waste. Reviews the properties of silk from both silkworms and spiders Offers systematic coverage of the processing of silk from spinning through to finishing Cover a range of applications, including on the use of silk in polymer matrix composites and in different kinds of biomaterial