My class is completing a Science Unit on the silkworm moth. We raised the caterpillars on mulberry leaves until they all pupated. Their cocoons are spun with one thin strand of silk almost a mile long. In order to harvest the silk, the cocoons need to be boiled in hot water, killing the insect before it can hatch. Then the silk is gently spooled. Because this has been the sole job of these creatures for centuries, we no longer find these moths in the wild. The adult moth cannot fly and has an undeveloped mouth, so he cannot eat. Once hatched, he only lives for 2-3 days in order to mate and lay eggs. So sad.
Our moths have started to hatch and they are so cute and soft. I'm saddened that they won't live past Monday :(
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