The silkworm, also known as Bombyx mori, belongs to the family Bombycidae and is the primary producer of silk. It possesses salivary glands inside its mouth that release a viscous fluid called silk glands. These glands secrete a clear, sticky liquid that exits through openings called spinnerets. When this liquid comes into contact with air, it hardens.
Raising this type of worm is considered a profitable economic venture that contributes to community development and improves quality of life. We will talk more about Silkworm in TekeTrek Website.
Specifications of the Silkworm
Body and Color:
- The Silkworm is characterized by its rough and thick body, with colors ranging from blonde, yellow, to light brown.
Features:
- It also features dark bands extending along its body. Additionally, it possesses wings, each measuring 50mm in length.
Weight:
- The weight of a mature Silkworm ranges from 1.5 to 2.2 grams.
Head and Sensory Antennae:
- It has a conical-shaped head, a beak-like mouth, and large sensory antennae.
Facts about the Silkworm
- Silkworm produces silk and makes it in two types: cultivated silk and wild silk.
- It lives at a specific temperature and does not adapt to temperature variations or weather changes.
- It can lay a massive number of eggs, sometimes up to 400 eggs during the winter season.
- The butterfly dies immediately after hatching from the egg, and the male lives for a short period before dying.
- After hatching, it remains in a dormant state until the beginning of spring to feed on mulberry leaves.
- Males respond to the female’s scent by constantly fluttering their wings as they move towards the source of the scent, revealing half of the receptors in their antennae.
- In its early stages, Silkworm tolerates high humidity and grows stronger and healthier compared to late-stage larvae.
- It is sensitive to strong light, so it crawls towards dim light.
- Silkworm is known for its rapid growth, transforming into a pupa within approximately 25 days.
- Male Silkworm live longer than females, with the female’s life cycle being shorter, ranging from 5-10 days.
- Despite being voracious feeders, using food to produce silk threads, they may fast completely for a period ranging from 24 to 48 hours during certain stages.
- Silkworm sheds its skin regularly due to continuous growth.
Where does Silkworm live?
- Silkworm lives in cold environments, where it can be found in China, which is considered the native habitat of Silkworm
- It is widespread in Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. Additionally, it is abundant in India, as India is one of the strongest producers of clothing, wool, and silk.
Types of Silkworm
There are many types of Silkworm, each differing based on adaptation and other factors. The most important:
- Bivoltine Silkworm:
Also known as the dual-polar Silkworm, it is found in China, Korea, Japan, and East Asia. It’s named bivoltine because it produces silk twice a year.
- Univoltine Silkworm:
Primarily found in European countries, it’s named univoltine because it produces silk once a year.
- Polyvoltine Silkworm:
This type originates in tropical regions, with an incubation period ranging from 9 to 12 days. It is characterized by its abundant silk production due to multiple life cycles throughout the year.
- Muga Silkworm:
Found in Northeast India, it is known for the luster of its silk, which increases with age.
- Tasar Silkworm:
Its silk is known as tasar silk, characterized by its roughness, strength, and durability.
- Eri Silkworm:
Found in Japan, it produces large quantities of silk and primarily feeds on protein-rich castor leaves.
- Oak Tasar Silkworm:
Its silk is considered one of the finest types and is found in the Himalayan regions, feeding on oak leaves
What does Silkworm eat?
- The diet of Silkworm varies depending on its age. When it is born, it feeds on a massive amount of mulberry leaves, whether white, red, or black mulberry.
- Generally, it feeds on white mulberry leaves and some other types of plant leaves. The larvae also feed on lettuce leaves and orange leaves. They eat four times a day to produce the required amount of silk.
The Reproduction of Silkworm
- The fertilization process during mating season lasts for a period ranging from 6 to 12 hours.
- After 24 hours from fertilization, the female lays eggs, which can reach up to 400 eggs sometimes, and they are blue in color.
- It secretes a gum substance to ensure the stability of the eggs until the moment of hatching and the emergence of larvae.
The Life Cycle of Silkworm
1. Mating:
Lasts for 6 weeks until the weather moderates and mulberry leaves, which the larvae feed on, appear.
2. Egg Hatching:
When the weather becomes moderate, the larvae start breaking the eggs and coming out. This stage is extremely small.
3. Larva:
This stage continues for a period ranging from 24 to 33 days. The larva stage begins with the shedding of the black hair covering the worm’s body, which starts to grow.
4. Pupa:
After the larva reaches the stage of maturity, it begins to secrete silk and wrap itself in it, using it for two weeks in a stage called dormancy.
5. Butterfly:
This is the shortest stage in the Silkworm life cycle, where the butterfly lays its eggs and then dies immediately after.
Frequently Asked Questions about Silkworms
- How long does a silkworm live?
An adult silkworm can live from 5 to 10 days.
- How is silk extracted from silkworms?
Silkworms produce silk fibers when they spin a cocoon around themselves during their journey to become a butterfly. These ultra-soft fibers are harvested from the raw cocoon by boiling it in hot water and stirring until the cocoons unravel.
- Does the silkworm die after silk production?
In reality, the extraction process leads to the death of the silkworms. Boiling the cocoons kills the silkworms inside, leaving silk farmers with empty shells of silk threads.
- What is silkworm used for?
Silkworm larvae are a source of nutrients for humans such as protein, fats, minerals and vitamins. They are also used in the manufacture of health care products, medicines and animal feed.
At the end of the article, we are pleased to emphasize the importance of this insect in the production of silk, which we use in many aspects of our lives.
