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Life Cycle of the Silkworm, a time-lapse

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Meet the Bombyx Mori in itsΒ caterpillar, larva or “worm” state — a silkworm, though it’s not a worm at all. There’s an in-depth series of videosΒ on YouTube that shares the Bombyx Mori’s life cycle, from egg to larvaΒ (small and larger)Β to pupa to its emergence as an adult moth, shown below:


silkmoth
The silkworm’s unique cocoon is made from its salivaβ€”a one mile long single strand of silk that hardens into a shell.Β 

After they have molted four times (i.e., in the fifth instar phase), their bodies become slightly yellow and the skin become tighter. The larvae will then enter the pupaΒ phase of their life cycle and enclose themselves in aΒ cocoonΒ made up of raw silk produced by the salivary glands. The cocoon provides a vital layer of protection during the vulnerable, almost motionless pupal state.

The moth that emerges from the cocoon is furry, white, doesn’t fly, but of course, starts the cycle all over again.

silkworm spinning the cocoon
Watch this next: A Japanese silkmoth emerges from its cocoon.

Thanks, Annie.

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