Wild Silkworms and Climate Resilience: Why Non-Mulberry Sericulture Matters Today

Abstract:

Non-mulberry sericulture, encompassing the cultivation of wild silkworm species collectively known as vanya silks, represents a critical yet underappreciated component of sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation strategies. This comprehensive review examines the ecological, economic and adaptive significance of wild silkworms including the tropical tasar silkworm (Antheraea mylitta), the muga silkworm (Antheraea assamensis), the eri silkworm (Samia ricini) and the oak tasar silkworm (Antheraea paphia) in the context of accelerating climate change. Unlike the domesticated mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori) which requires intensive management and controlled environmental conditions, wild silkworm species demonstrate remarkable genetic diversity, host plant flexibility and natural resilience to environmental fluctuations. This review synthesizes recent evidence demonstrating that non-mulberry sericulture systems provide climate-resilient livelihood opportunities for tribal and rural communities while contributing to forest conservation and biodiversity maintenance. The analysis reveals that wild silkworm species possess inherent adaptive mechanisms including polyphagy, thermal tolerance and disease resistance that render them particularly suited to changing climatic conditions. Furthermore, sericulture-based agroforestry systems offer multifunctional landscapes that sequester carbon, preserve ecosystem services and provide sustainable income streams. However, significant challenges persist including habitat fragmentation, lack of systematic germplasm conservation and market access limitations. This review concludes that scaling non-mulberry sericulture through integrated policy support, technological innovation and community-based conservation represents a promising pathway for climate-resilient rural development. Future research priorities include genomic characterization of wild silkworm diversity, development of climate-smart breeding programs and establishment of inclusive value chains that benefit forest-dependent communities.