Bombycidae

Bombycidae is a family of moths in the order Lepidoptera, within the superfamily Bombycoidea. It is a relatively small family, comprising a limited number of genera and described species. The best-known member is Bombyx mori, the domesticated silkworm.

Adults in Bombycidae typically have stout bodies and wings that are generally pale brown or gray with muted markings. The wings are often held flat when at rest. Males often possess more elaborate antennae than females. Larvae feed primarily on mulberry (Morus) leaves, though some species tolerate other broadleaf plants. The larvae spin silken cocoons in which they pupate, a trait that underpins the family's economic significance.

Life cycle: eggs are laid on suitable hosts and hatch into caterpillars, which undergo several molts before spinning a cocoon. After pupation, the adult moth emerges. In many Bombycidae, adults have reduced mouthparts and do not feed, living only to reproduce.

Distribution and habitat: Bombycidae are found in tropical and temperate regions of Asia, Africa, and the Americas, with greatest diversity in Asia. They inhabit forests, gardens, and cultivated stands of mulberry, which support their larval development.

Ecological and economic significance: The most prominent species is Bombyx mori, domesticated for silk production over thousands of years. Silk is harvested from cocoons and has driven sericulture, shaping economies and technologies in various regions. Other Bombycidae species are less economically important but contribute to ecosystem dynamics as herbivores and prey within their habitats.