Question

Describe various stages in the lifecycle of a silk moth. [5 marks]

Answer 1

$\bullet$ The lifecycle of a silkworm starts with the female silk moth laying hundreds of eggs. [1 mark]

$\bullet$ These eggs hatch into caterpillars, also called larvae or silkworms, that feed on mulberry leaves. [1 mark]

$\bullet$ After the silkworm has attained a particular size, it forms a cocoon around itself by secreting a fibre made of protein that hardens in the air to form silk. [1 mark]

$\bullet$ Inside the cocoon, the silkworm (caterpillar) changes into a pupa. [1 mark]

$\bullet$ The further development of the pupa into a moth continues inside the cocoon and then finally it emerges out as a silkmoth by breaking the cocoon. [1 mark]