Life Cycle of Silkworm
The life cycle of the silkworm (Bombyx mori) is an intricate process involving several distinct stages. This cycle is crucial for silk production and consists of four main phases: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
1. Egg Stage
- The life cycle begins when female moths lay eggs.
- Each female can lay up to 500 eggs, often on mulberry leaves.
- The eggs are small, round, and vary in color from white to yellowish.
2. Larval Stage (Caterpillar)
- After 10-14 days, the eggs hatch into larvae, commonly known as caterpillars.
- They feed voraciously on mulberry leaves, undergoing a series of molts (usually 4-5).
- This stage lasts about 4-6 weeks, during which they grow significantly, increasing their size approximately 10,000 times.
3. Pupal Stage (Cocoon)
- Once fully grown, the larvae stop feeding and begin spinning a protective cocoon.
- They secrete a fluid that hardens into silk as it comes into contact with air.
- The pupal stage lasts about 2-3 weeks, during which the caterpillar undergoes metamorphosis into a moth.
4. Adult Stage (Moth)
- After emerging from the cocoon, the adult moths are typically white and have a wingspan of about 3-4 inches.
- They have a short lifespan of about 5-10 days, during which they mate and lay eggs, thus continuing the cycle.
- Adult moths do not feed; their primary function is reproduction.
Understanding this life cycle is essential for sericulture, the practice of raising silkworms for silk production.