Morphometric studies on the silkworm, Bombyx mori (L.) as a function of feeding duration

In Bombyx mori (L.), restriction of feeding durattion from 24 to 3 h per day resulted in an increase in larval duration from 18 to 31 days, but a decrease in length of the larva from 76 to 62 mm in the final instar larval stadium. The live weight of the same decreased from 3610 mg in 24 h fed group to 1265 mg in 3 h fed larva. Body weight declined in pupa (374 mg) and still further in adult (111 mg). This resulted due to the utilisation of larval food reserves during non-feeding pupal and adult stages.