Mulberry and Non-Mulberry Silkworms

Silk is one of the most luxurious and natural animal fibers known to humanity. It is mainly produced by silkworms—larvae of silk moths—through a process called sericulture. Based on the host plant and habitat, silkworms are categorized into Mulberry silkworms and Non-Mulberry silkworms. This classification plays a vital role in silk production, biodiversity conservation, and economic development in countries like India, the second-largest producer of silk in the world.

🟢 What are Mulberry Silkworms?

Mulberry silkworms refer to species that feed exclusively on the leaves of the mulberry plant (Morus spp.). The most widely domesticated mulberry silkworm is Bombyx mori, which produces over 90% of the world's silk.

🔬 Scientific Classification:

Common name: Mulberry silkworm

    Scientific name: Bombyx mori

            Family: Bombycidae

                Order: Lepidoptera

Food plant: Morus alba (white mulberry)

🌱 Characteristics of Mulberry Silkworms:

1. Completely domesticated and cannot survive in the wild

2. Produces high-quality white or yellowish silk filaments

3. Used extensively in commercial sericulture

4. Goes through complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, and adult moth

🔵 What are Non-Mulberry Silkworms?

Non-Mulberry silkworms feed on host plants other than mulberry. They are generally found in the wild or semi-domesticated environments, contributing to the production of wild silks, such as Tasar, Eri, and Muga silk—each with unique textures and uses.

🔬 Types of Non-Mulberry Silkworms:

Silkworm	Scientific Name	Silk Type	Host Plant(s)
Tasar	Antheraea mylitta	Coarse, coppery silk	Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Asan (Terminalia tomentosa)
Eri	Samia ricini	Soft, wooly silk	Castor (Ricinus communis), Kesseru (Heteropanax fragrans)
Muga	Antheraea assamensis	Golden-yellow silk	Som (Persea bombycina), Soalu (Litsea polyantha)

🔍 Differences Between Mulberry and Non-Mulberry Silkworms

Feature	Mulberry Silkworms	Non-Mulberry Silkworms
Main species	Bombyx mori	Antheraea mylitta, Antheraea assamensis, Samia ricini
Host plants	Mulberry (Morus spp.)	Castor, Som, Arjun, Soalu, etc.
Habitat	Fully domesticated	Semi-domesticated or wild
Silk color	White or yellowish	Golden (Muga), coppery (Tasar), creamy (Eri)
Silk quality	Fine, soft, lustrous	Coarse to medium, natural finish
Commercial use	Primary for textile industry	Handlooms, ethnic wear, eco-fashion
Lifecycle control	Highly regulated in rearing centers	Less controlled, eco-sensitive

🌾 Economic and Cultural Importance

1. Mulberry silk supports industrial-scale sericulture and export markets.

2. Non-mulberry silks provide livelihoods to tribal and rural communities, especially in Assam, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh.

3. Muga and Eri silks are eco-friendly and cruelty-free, aligning with sustainable fashion trends.

🌱 Environmental Considerations

1. Mulberry cultivation requires regular irrigation and pest management, making it more input-intensive.

2. Non-mulberry silks are more sustainable as they are produced in natural forest-based ecosystems.

3. Ahimsa silk (peace silk) is typically associated with Eri silk and Muga silk, as the cocoon is not boiled, allowing the moth to emerge.

🧪 Scientific and Research Relevance

Studying mulberry and non-mulberry silkworms helps in:

1. Biodiversity conservation

2. Genetic research for hybrid vigor and disease resistance

3. Enhancing climate adaptability of silkworm races

4. Promoting biodegradable textiles

Both Mulberry and Non-Mulberry silkworms play indispensable roles in the sericulture industry. While mulberry silkworms dominate commercial silk production, non-mulberry varieties contribute to regional diversity, sustainability, and cultural identity. Understanding their differences is key to advancing zoological research, silk quality, and rural development in India.

📚 References

1. Jolly, M. S., Sen, S. K., Sonwalkar, T. N., & Prasad, G. K. (1979). Non-Mulberry Sericulture. FAO Agriculture Services Bulletin.

2. Thangavelu, K. (1991). Handbook of Sericulture: Technologies and Applications. Oxford & IBH Publishing.

3. Narasimhanna, M. N. (1988). Manual of Silkworm Egg Production. Central Silk Board.

4. Sengupta, K., & Dutta, R. N. (1992). Recent Advances in Sericulture. Central Silk Board, Bangalore.

5. Chakravorty, R., & Neog, K. (2011). “Sericulture and Its Prospects in Assam.” Indian Silk Journal.

6. Dandin, S. B., & Jayaswal, K. P. (2003). Handbook of Sericulture Technologies. Central Silk Board, Bangalore.

7. Government of India, Ministry of Textiles – Central Silk Board csb.gov.in