Silkmoth

Silkmoth is a common name for moths in the family Saturniidae, a diverse group of large moths whose caterpillars often spin prominent cocoons. The best-known member is Bombyx mori, the domestic silkworm, whose larvae are trained to produce silk for textile production. In general, silkmoths are distinguished by large, colorful wings, reduced mouthparts in adults, and heavy-bodied caterpillars.

Taxonomy: Within order Lepidoptera, superfamily Bombycoidea; family Saturniidae. Notable silkmoths include Antheraea species (tussar and golden silkmoths), Samia cynthia, and Saturnia pyri, though true silk textile production relies on Bombyx mori.

Lifecycle: They undergo complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa in a silken chrysalis inside the cocoon, and winged adult. Most adults do not feed and live only to mate. The larval stage spins a cocoon; silk threads are produced by specialized glands.

Silk production: Sericulture centers on Bombyx mori, which feeds exclusively on mulberry leaves (Morus spp.). The domesticated moths have been bred to produce long, strong silk filaments. The cocoons are collected, softened, and reeled to produce silk fibres. In other wild silkmoths, cocoon silk is produced but not widely used commercially due to shorter fibers and fragility.

Ecology and distribution: Silkmoths occur worldwide, with many species in Asia and the Americas. They typically inhabit forests, orchards, and shrublands where their host plants grow. Some species are pests of trees; others are valued for silk or as ornamentals. Conservation concerns arise where habitats shrink or host plants decline.