author(s)
Jatuporn Tungjitwitayakul and Nujira Tatun

abstract
In the present study, eri-silkworms were reared on cassava leaves (its natural host plant) and Silkmate L4M from 1^st to 5^th instars. The lengths of the larval and pupal periods of eri-silkworms reared on the artificial diet were extended compared to those reared on cassava leaves. Comparison between the larval and pupal weights showed that eri-silkworms reared on the artificial diet had higher larval and pupal weights than those reared on cassava leaves, but the cocoon shell weight did not differ between the groups. In addition, total hemocyte count, total hemolymph protein concentration, total lipid concentration, and α-amylase activity in eri-silkworms reared on Silkmate L4M were lower than those in eri-silkworms reared on cassava leaves. Results indicated that the artificial diet containing mulberry leaves affected many biological and biochemical parameters of the eri-silkworm compared to rearing on cassava leaves.