Study of different types of silk moths. Bombyx mori the domestic silk moth is an insect from the moth family bombycidaeit is the closest relative of bombyx mandarina the wild silk moththe silkworm is the larva or caterpillar of a silk moth. Three other commercially important types fall into the category of non mulberry silks namely. Out of the four different silk types the two ie mulberry and eri are manufactured from domesticated silkworms whereas tasar and munga silkworms are wild in nature although attempts are in progress to domesticate them too. The gypsy moth has several subspecies namely the european gypsy moth asian gypsy moth and the japanese gypsy moth.
The wingspan of male gypsy moths ranges from 3 4 cm and for females it is 56 to 67 cm. The silk made from the larvae of the moth has a dull yellow color that is very different from the metallic gold color of the cocoon. The resultant tame b. Mori has been domesticated after years of continuous research on ways to improve its efficiency and production of silk.
It is an economically important insect being a primary producer of silka silkworms preferred food are white mulberry leaves though they may eat other mulberry species and even the osage. Different species inhabit different areas around the united states. The bombycidae family contains 21 genera and 150 species most of which are classified under the nominal subfamily bombycinae. The cricula silk is made from the silk moth in the genus of cricula.
The bombycidae family is notable for containing the much valuedsilkworm bombyx mori. Mori has lost the ability to. Whatever the source these moths and worms produce a protein fibroin that is the main element in silk. It is worth familiarizing yourself with these moth variations and what you need to do if you are experiencing a.
Different types of silkworm will create fabrics with different characteristics. Amongst the different types of moths that may cause problems inside or outside of your home are the gypsy moth pantry moths and clothes moths. Among them mulberry silk is the most important and contributes as much as 90 per cent of world production therefore the term silk in general refers to the silk of the mulberry silkworm. There are other types of moths such as the rare luna moth which many find fascinating.
The caterpillars of both groups build and live in large silk tent structures attached to tree limbs. Ermine moths and tent caterpillar moths family lasiocampidae fit that bill.