Silkworm (Domesticated Silkmoth Cocoon)

Fully domesticated and primarily found in silk farms; they no longer exist in the wild. Larvae are raised on trays.

Larvae (silkworms) feed exclusively on the leaves of white mulberry trees. Adult moths do not eat.

Larvae spin silk cocoons to protect themselves during pupation. After 2-3 weeks, moths emerge. They are flightless and live only a few days to mate and lay eggs.

Benefits: The primary source of commercial silk, a major global textile. Risks: No risk to humans; they are economically valuable but entirely dependent on human care.