2LearnBombyx mori
Silkworm
The silkworm is the caterpillar of the domesticated silk moth, bred in China for thousands of years for its silk. It feeds only on mulberry leaves and spins its cocoon from a single long silk thread. The adult moths cannot fly and depend entirely on people.
Keeping
How it is kept
Kept for
- Fibre
- Temperament
- Docile; the adult moths cannot fly
- Forage
- Caterpillars eat only fresh mulberry leaves, or a diet made from mulberry, and need a steady supply as they grow.
- Housing
- Clean, dry trays or boxes kept warm and out of direct sun, with good airflow and more space as they grow.
- Good to know
- Silkworms are fully domesticated and cannot survive in the wild. Line up a reliable supply of mulberry leaves before the eggs hatch. Keep trays clean and dry, as damp conditions encourage disease.
Breeds
Silkworm breeds
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