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Sexual dimorphism or gender specific differences were investigated in Muga silkworm Antheraea assama Ww., specifically in terms of cellular immunocompetence/immunological traits, by examining the cellular immune arsenal in both the sexes. Furthermore, experiments were carried out on A. assama larvae collected from four different farms located at different altidues from the sea level. In all the cases, females were found to contain higher haemocyte load as compared to males. Females also recorded higher immunocyte population viz. plasmatocyte (PL) and granulocyte (GR) that suggest stronger cellular defence reactions or immunocompetence.
Key words: Antheraea assama Ww, plasmatocyte, granulocyte, sexual dimorphism, immunocompetence.