Question

Draw a schematic diagram and explain the life cycle of a silkworm.

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Answer 1

Stages in the life cycle of a silkworm:

1. Laying of eggs: The female silkmoth lays many tiny eggs.

2. Larva or caterpillar: Black worm called larva or caterpillar is hatched from the egg. This larva feeds on mulberry leaves for four weeks, during which it sheds its skin four times in a process called moulting. After the larva grows, it stops eating and weaves a net around itself. It secretes a protein fibre by swinging its head either side, which solidifies on exposure to air and becomes silk fibre.

3. Cocoon: This is the pupa stage where the silkworm completes the formation of cocoon in a week under ideal conditions. This cocoon is sent for processing to produce a silk cloth.

4. Silk moth: The pupa inside the cocoon develops into a silk moth and the life cycle of the silkworm is completed.