Butterflies and Moths

41

Soft but tough

The pure silk thread produced

by silkworms is sometimes

used for making parachutes,

as well as fine clothes.

Breaking out

Soon after the silkworm has

changed into a pupa, it is ready

to hatch. To do this, the moth

makes a hole at one end of the

cocoon by dissolving the threads

with a special fluid. As soon as it

has crawled out, the moth starts

to expand and dry

its wings.

You will not find silkmoths in

the wild. They are bred only

for their silk on special farms.

Sensitive feathery

antennae help the

male detect a special

scent given off by the

female moth.

Hole where

the moth

crawled out

Fussy eaters

Silkworms are very fussy about

their food. Only mulberry leaves

will do. Silkworms would starve

rather than eat anything else!

US_040-041_Silk_cocoons.indd 41 02/11/17 2:40 pm