But don't worms produce moths? Cycle of life.
The lifecycle of the silkworm (Bombyx mori) and its adult form, the silk moth, comprises four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult moth. Here's an overview:
1. Egg Stage
Duration: 10–14 days under optimal conditions.
The female silk moth lays tiny, oval-shaped eggs. These eggs hatch into larvae under warm, humid conditions. If temperatures are cooler, the eggs may enter diapause and remain dormant until spring.
2. Larva Stage (Silkworm)
Duration: About 25–30 days.
The larvae, commonly known as silkworms, emerge from the eggs as small, black caterpillars. They molt four times as they grow, shedding their exoskeleton.
Feeding: The silkworms feed voraciously on mulberry leaves (or substitutes like lettuce in non-commercial settings).
At full size, the silkworm stops eating and prepares to spin its cocoon.
3. Pupa Stage (Cocoon)
Duration: About 10–14 days.
The silkworm secretes silk from its salivary glands, creating a cocoon around itself for protection as it transitions into the pupal stage. The cocoon is made of a single, long strand of silk.
In silk production, the pupa is typically killed by steaming or boiling the cocoon to harvest the silk threads. If allowed to mature, the pupa emerges as a moth.
4. Adult Stage (Silk Moth)
Duration: 5–10 days.
The adult silk moth emerges from the cocoon, unable to fly due to domestication. Its primary function is reproduction.
Mating occurs soon after emergence. The female moth lays eggs, completing the lifecycle.
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