Key Takeaways
The silkworm originally lives in the forests of Southeast Asia, but today is mainly raised by humans for the production of silk. The bombyx mori does not survive in the wild and is entirely dependent on silkworm breeders.
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Origin and habitat of the silkworm
The silkworm finds its origins in the forests of Southeast Asia, particularly in China. The wild silkworm, called bombyx mandarina, is believed to have originally lived on mulberry trees and fed on their leaves.
The first breeding of silkworms began nearly 5,000 years ago in China. Over the centuries, humans have tamed this wild species to create the bombyx mori, incapable of surviving without human help.
Today, the natural habitat of the silkworm no longer really exists. It is mainly found in specialized breeding called silkworm farms.
Also read: How is silk made ?
The silkworm and its domestic environment
The silkworm raised by man for the production of silk is completely dependent on its breeder. It lives in a controlled environment and could not survive for long in the wild.
Here are the main elements that make up the silkworm's domestic habitat:
- shelves on which mulberry leaves are placed for food
- A constant temperature between 20 and 25°C
- A high humidity level, around 70%
- A clean and healthy atmosphere, safe from parasites
- Attentive monitoring of the breeder at each stage of development
The breeder therefore plays a crucial role in the survival of the silkworm and in obtaining quality silk.
Also read: Which animal produces silk ?
The dependence of the silkworm on humans
The domestic silkworm is totally dependent on humans on several levels.
The role of the breeder in the life of the silkworm
The breeder, also called magnanier, must:
- Provide the right temperature and humidity conditions
- Feed silkworms with fresh, clean mulberry leaves
- Monitor their development and remove the cocoons
- Ensure that sanitary conditions are optimal
Without this careful care, the silkworm would not be able to complete its life cycle.
How breeding has modified the life cycle of the silkworm
In the wild, the silkworm:
- Feed on different species of trees
- Suffered from climatic hazards
- Was exposed to predators
In captivity, he is:
- Fed exclusively on mulberry leaves
- Preserved from variations in temperature and humidity
- Protected from the dangers of nature
Its life cycle is therefore shorter and optimized for silk production.
Sericulture: an ancient culture
Silkworm breeding, called sericulture, dates back almost 5,000 years in China. This practice then spread throughout Asia, particularly in Japan and India.
It arrived in Europe in the Middle Ages and particularly developed in France in the 17th century, particularly in Lyon.
Today, China alone provides 80% of world silk production.
The silkworm, a unique breeding animal
Unlike other livestock, the silkworm:
- Produces only one type of raw material: silk
- Has a very short life cycle, only 2 months
- Does not require complex infrastructure
It is therefore a very specific livestock animal.
Rearing silkworms requires patience and attention to detail. As an old Provençal silk worker said: “Listening to the sound of silk growing is quite an art.” The well-being of these fragile insects depends entirely on the expert actions of their guardian.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®
Also read: How the worm produces silk ?
The Bombyx mori: the butterfly behind the silkworm
The bombyx mori is the butterfly whose larva is used for the production of silk. Here are its characteristics:
The transformation of the silkworm into a butterfly
After its life as a caterpillar, the silkworm weaves a cocoon around itself and transforms into a chrysalis. This pupation lasts between 8 and 15 days. He then emerges transformed into bombyx mori.
The particularities of Bombyx mori
The bombyx mori presents several differences from its wild cousins:
- He can't fly
- Its wings are smaller and whitish
- Its body is bigger
- His trunk is atrophied
It therefore cannot feed or move around and dies a few days after emerging from the cocoon.
The life cycle of Bombyx mori
Here are the stages of the bombyx mori life cycle:
- Butterflies mating and egg laying
- Incubation of eggs for 10 days
- Hatching: birth of larvae
- Growth of larvae by successive molts for approximately 2 months
- Pupation in a cocoon for 8 to 15 days
- Emergence of the butterfly which will only live a few days
The importance of mulberry trees in the life of silkworms
The mulberry leaves are the silkworm's only food. They contain all the nutrients he needs.
Two species of mulberry are mainly used:
- The white mulberry, the most widespread because it is very productive
- Black mulberry, more resistant to diseases
The quality and freshness of the leaves are decisive for the growth of the worms, their health and the quality of the silk produced.
The silkworm has a voracious appetite that surprises many! But as a Chinese saying reminds us: “He who feeds the mulberry worm will reap a thread of gold”. Providing abundant and nutritional food is the key to an abundant harvest of quality silk.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®
Silkworm breeding: a complex process
Although only lasting 2 months, silkworm breeding requires a lot of attention at each stage.
The method of breeding silkworms
After the eggs hatch, the young larvae are placed in incubation chambers. They are then moved to shelves where they will be fed and grow to the cocoon stage.
Each step requires optimal conditions of temperature, humidity and ventilation.
The importance of food in silkworm breeding
Diet quality directly influences the growth and health of larvae. The leaves should be fresh, clean and rich in nutrients.
A silkworm consumes a lot during its growth. In total, he must ingest approximately 10,000 times his birth weight in mulberry leaves!
The breeder must therefore ensure that they have sufficient leaves available and renew them very regularly.
Production of silk cocoons by silkworms
When they reach maturity, silkworms spin a cocoon around themselves. This operation lasts 3 to 8 days.
They secrete raw silk through their sericigenic glands and spin it to form the cocoon. A silk thread is on average 300 to 900 m long!
The role of silkworm farms in silkworm farming
The silkworm farms are places specially designed for the breeding of silkworms. They date from the 16th century and developed with the rise of sericulture.
Traditional silkworm farms have several characteristics:
- Large, well-ventilated rooms
- Walls whitewashed and washed regularly
- Large stacked shelves to place mulberry leaves
- Controlled temperature and humidity
Today, there are also modern silkworm farms incorporating climate regulation equipment.
Also read: Which country invented silk ?
Silkworm breeding in France
France has long been at the forefront of sericulture, particularly in the South-East. In the 19th century, silkworm farming was very widespread.
Today, there are only a few artisanal magnaneries left, particularly in Provence and Périgord. The ancestral know-how continues but the sector no longer has the scale it once did.
French silk, however, remains renowned for its high quality.
Also read: Where is silk produced in France ?
Conclusion
The silkworm does not survive in the wild.This fascinating insect has been bred by humans for millennia to produce silk, one of the most luxurious natural fibers. Thanks to the daily attention of breeders, it can complete its life cycle with complete peace of mind in the magnaneries. Its diet based exclusively on mulberry leaves and the optimal breeding conditions allow it to secrete a silk thread of exceptional finesse at the time of weave its cocoon. Even if sericulture has declined in France, the ancestral know-how continues and the passion for this fascinating insect remains alive.
| Appearance | Description |
|---|---|
| Natural Habitat | Forests of Southeast Asia |
| Domestic Habitat | Magnaneries |
| Food | Mulberry leaves |
| Breeder | Magnanier |
| Rearing Conditions | Temperature and humidity controlled |
| Importance for Humans | Silk production |
FAQ
How the silkworm lives ?
The silkworm can only live in captivity, in silkworm farms where the breeder controls all the parameters: temperature, humidity, cleanliness, diet based on
mulberry leaves. Outside of this protective environment, it would not survive long.
Where is silk produced in France ?
French production of silk is concentrated in a few artisanal magnaneries, mainly located in Provence and Périgord. The South-East has long been the flagship region of French sericulture.
Where do silkworms live ?
Silkworms originally lived wild in the forests of Southeast Asia. Today, they are only found in magnaneries, their domestic habitat dedicated to the production of silk. They are raised there according to ancestral know-how.
What do silkworms eat ?
The only food for silkworms is mulberry leaves, whether white or black mulberry. Rich in proteins and minerals, these leaves are vital for their growth and health.
What is the name of a silkworm breeder ?
A silkworm breeder bears the name of magnanier. It is a demanding profession, the magnanier having to provide the insect with attentive daily care during the two months of its life cycle.
How to start your own silkworm farming ?
It is possible to start breeding silkworms as an amateur. You must equip yourself with a small silk farm, obtain silkworm eggs from a professional breeder, and plant mulberry trees to provide food for the larvae. This requires time and knowledge of breeding techniques.
Updated February 1, 2024
