Silkworm Life Cycle Quiz

Why is silk known as the 'Queen of Textiles'?

What is the significance of the cocoon stage in the life cycle of a silkworm?

Why does the caterpillar secrete a fibre made of proteins during the cocoon stage?

Where did the use of silk as a fibre originate?

What type of animal fibre is silk?

What does silk production involve?

What is the name of the most common silk moth mentioned in the text?

What is the process of obtaining adult silk thread from a cocoon?

What is the term for the occupation of rearing silkworms?

What does the pupa transform into in the life cycle of a silk moth?

What do female moths lay after mating?

Life Cycle of a Silk Moth

A silk moth's life cycle consists of four stages: egg, larva (silkworm), pupa, and adult moth.
The female silk moth lays eggs, from which larvae hatch and grow into caterpillars or silkworms.

The Cocoon Stage

The caterpillar secretes a fibre made of proteins called 'fibroin' and 'sericine' to form a cocoon.
The fibre hardens on exposure to air and becomes a silk fibre, completely covering the caterpillar.
The pupa continues to develop inside the cocoon, eventually emerging as a moth.

Production of Silk

The silk yarn is obtained from the cocoon of the silk moth.
Different types of silk moths produce silk yarn with varying textures (coarse, smooth, shiny, etc.).
Adult silk thread is obtained by unwinding the cocoon and then woven into silk cloth.

Sericulture

'Sericulture' or the culture of silkworms is a very old occupation in India.
The most common silk moth is the mulberry silk moth (Bombyx mori), which produces soft, lustrous, and elastic silk fibre.

Characteristics of Silk

Silk is known as the 'Queen of Textiles' due to its elegance, class, and comfort.
Silk is a type of animal fibre produced by a moth called the silk moth.

History of Silk Production

The use of silk as a fibre originated in China.
There are various types of silk, such as Tassar silk, Mooga silk, and Kosa silk, obtained from cocoons spun by different types of moths.

Test your knowledge on the importance of the cocoon stage in the life cycle of a silkworm, the first country to produce silk, and why silk is known as the 'Queen of Textiles'. Answer questions related to the process where the caterpillar secretes silk fibres and transforms into a pupa.