Mulberry Silk & Non Mulberry Silk

Mulberry Silk & Non-mulberry Silk Silk is a natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. The best-known silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori reared in captivity (sericulture). 1.... More

Mulberry Silk & Non-mulberry Silk Silk is a natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. The best-known silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori reared in captivity (sericulture). 1. Mulberry silks Mulberry silk is the most common among the many kinds of silk. It makes up 90% of the silk supply in the world. This popular kind is produced by the bombyx mori silkworms which are fed from the mulberry bush (thus the name). 2. Non-mulberry silks Three other commercially important types fall into the category of non- mulberry silks namely: Eri silk, Tasar silk and Muga silk. • Eri silk belongs to either of two species namely Samia ricini and Philosamia ricini. P.ricini (also called as castor silkworm) is a domesticated one reared on castor oil plant leaves to produce a white or brick-red silk popularly known as Eri silk. • Tasar silk is the second most produced silk behind mulberry silk. Mulberry silk is created by caterpi Less