Vol. 12, Special Issue 11 (2023)

Author(s):
Rushali Chakraborty, Dipankar Brahma and Roshmi Borah Dutta

Abstract:
Mulberry rearing is done in indoor conditions but is threatened by some pests and diseases from time to time. One of the major problems in mulberry rearing is an insect pest known as uzi fly belonging to the family Tachinidae of order Diptera. The uzi fly infesting mulberry silkworm is known as Exorista sorbillans (Wiedemann). In Assam people rear the silkworms mainly in bamboo houses and the doors and the windows are without screens so the uzi flies can easily enter the rearing houses. The female uzi laid their eggs on the intersegmental region of the silkworm body. After hatching, the maggot entered the silkworm body, leaving behind a black scar, the main identification mark of the uzi fly infestation. Only 1 or 2 mated adult female is sufficient to infest 300 to 400 numbers of mulberry silkworms. The total life span of the uzi fly was found to range from 28 to 42 days in the case of males and on average of 34.5 days and 29 to 43 days in the case of females and on average of 35.8 days.