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| The Domestic Silk Moth, Bombyx mori, is a member of a small family of about 300 moth species in the Order Lepidoptera. Bombyx mori is not native to North America, but rearing here is prevalent. Adults in this family have heavy, rounded, furry bodies and cannot feed because of undeveloped mouth parts. The forewing has a hooked tip, characteristic in this family, however it is flightless. Wings and body are usually white, but may vary to shades of light brown. Wingspan is 1.5 to 2.5 in. (4-6 cm).
The larva of Bombyx mori is an elongated caterpillar commonly called a silkworm. Larvae are monophagous and feed only on mulberry plants. The larva will molt four times before spinning a silk cocoon of one continuous fiber for pupation. Silk cocoons from this species are the commercial source of silk. Bred in captivity for thousands of years on trays of white mulberry (Morus alba), Bombyx mori is fully domesticated and cannot survive without the assistance of man. Although no wild colonies remain, scientists believe the origin of Bombyx mori is likely in Asia. As a valuable commodity in the textile market, rearing is common in Europe, Asia and South America. Useful in education and research, rearing the species is practical in most parts of the U.S. where a supply of fresh mulberry is available. |
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