Hi
Is the silkworm considered a worm? In the event that it is transported from the country of origin to another country due to the absence of biological enemies, for example? In the event of the death of the berry host, for example, does the worm die or adapt by feeding on another plant? my regards.
It is considered a tropical lepidopteran. Bombyx can also feed on several species of figs and a handful of other plant species (like Osage orange and viper grass) but most host plants are Moraceae. For most strains they are considered unable to survive in the wild due to impaired clasping and being unable to escape their artificially selected cocoons without human intervention. The adults also cannot fly limiting their capacity to spread. The only recorded case of a feral population was over 50 years ago in Madagascar where some silkworms from 13th century Chinese trading expedition had adapted to figs that were also an imported species. Also most birds, reptiles and some mammals will eat silkworms, which is why they are used as pet food.
May I inquire what research you are planning to use the silkworms for? I might be able to advise on the best strains/stock centers to use.
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