The Growth of 4th-6th Instar Larvae Wild Silk Moth at Different Type of Cage

Abstract

Attacus atlas L. is a polyvoltin and polyphagus insect, which can live more than two generations per year. The purpose of this research was to analyze the growth of Attacus atlas 4th-6th instar larvae which were reared in different types of cage given canary leaves (Canarium commune L.). The observed variables were body weight gain, body length gain, survival rate and stadia period in instar 4th-6th. This study used Completely Randomized Design with kinds of cages (gauze, cardboard and plastic) as treatment and each treatment consist of four replications. Fourth until sixth instar period were shorter in gauze cages than others. The results showed that types of cage had significant affected (p<0,01) to 4th instar larvae body weight gain in gauze cage, but instar 5th-6th larvae had significant higher body weight gain (3,337 g and 15,050 g) in cardboard cage. The other result showed that instar VI in cardboard cage was significant higher body length gain (0,999 cm) than plastic and gauze cage. The result suggest that instar 4th larvae in gauze cage and 5th-6th instar larvae in cardboard cage had better stadia period, weight gain, body length gain, and survival rate percentage.

Attacus atlas termasuk ordo Lepidoptera yang mengalami metamorfosa sempurna. Umumnya serangga ini dikenal sebagai hama tanaman. Attacus atlas merupakan salah satu satwa harapan penghasil sutera yang perlu dikembangkan karena memiliki potensi ekonomi, tingkat reproduksinya tinggi, perkembangan relatif cepat dan masa pemeliharaan yang singkat. Larva sutera ini merupakan jenis hewan polifagus, yang dapat memakan berbagai jenis pakan daun. Alternatif pakan yang digunakan adalah daun kenari (Canarium commune) karena ketersediannya melimpah di kota Bogor. Pemeliharaan larva A. atlas membutuhkan penanganan dalam segi faktor lingkungan dan pakan karena larva sutera termasuk hewan poikiloterm yang suhu tubuhnya dipengaruhi secara langsung oleh suhu lingkungannya. Tempat pemeliharaan yang cocok perlu dipilih untuk pertumbuhan larva sutera liar A. atlas dari bahan yang mudah didapat dan murah harganya.