Silkworms are the larvae of the silkworm moth, known for producing silk. They primarily feed on the leaves of the mulberry tree, which provides the nutrients they need to grow. After several weeks of eating, they spin a protective cocoon made of silk threads, which can be up to a mile long when unraveled. This process is fascinating and has been cultivated for thousands of years.
The silk produced by silkworms is highly valued for its softness and luster, making it a popular material in the fashion industry. The cultivation of silkworms for silk is called sericulture, and it plays a significant role in the economies of several countries, especially in China, where silk production began.