silkworm

Silkworm refers to the larval stage of the moth Bombyx mori, a domesticated silkmoth raised for the production of silk. Although the name suggests a worm, silkworms are caterpillars that feed on mulberry leaves before pupating inside a silk cocoon.

The life cycle begins when eggs hatch into larvae after about a week. The larva molts several times while rapidly consuming mulberry foliage. In the final instar, the silkworm spins a single, continuous silk cocoon, then enters the pupal stage. If left to mature, the moth emerges by breaking the cocoon; for commercial silk, cocoons are collected and the pupae are killed by heat to preserve the intact silk thread.

Silk is produced from proteins secreted by the larval silk glands. Fibroin forms the core filament, while sericin binds the strands together in the cocoon. Silk threads are reeled from mature cocoons and then degummed to remove sericin, producing the smooth fiber used in textiles.

Domestication of Bombyx mori occurred in ancient China and was selected for predictable silk yields and manageable rearing. Today it is raised worldwide under controlled conditions. Domesticated silkworms have reduced abilities to survive in the wild and typically cannot fly.

Beyond Bombyx mori, other silk-producing moths exist, including species in Antheraea and Samia that yield tussah, tussar, or eri silks. These are generally less domesticated and produce coarser or differently textured fibers.

Sericulture remains a significant agricultural activity in parts of Asia, with silk trade contributing to regional economies while facing environmental and welfare considerations.