Bombycidae
Quick Summary
The family Bombycidae consists of moths, primarily found in Asia, whose larvae are known for spinning cocoons of commercially usable silk. The most well-known member is the domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori, which is no longer found in the wild. Adult silkworms have a short lifespan, do not eat, and cannot fly. They reproduce, with females laying hundreds of eggs that hatch into larvae.12
These larvae are voracious eaters, primarily feeding on mulberry leaves. During their growth period, they spin a cocoon from a continuous strand of silk, which is harvested after the pupa inside is killed. This silk is used for commercial purposes. The family Bombycidae includes the domesticated silkworms and a few related wild silk moths.12
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