The silkworm, scientifically known as Bombyx mori, is the larval stage of the silk moth. These insects are primarily known for their ability to produce silk, a natural fiber that has been used for thousands of years in textiles. Silkworms feed mainly on the leaves of the mulberry tree, which provides the necessary nutrients for their growth and development.
After several weeks of feeding, silkworms spin cocoons made of silk threads. This process is crucial for the silk industry, as the cocoons are harvested and processed to extract silk fibers. Silkworms undergo metamorphosis, eventually transforming into adult moths, but they are primarily cultivated for their silk production.