Silkworm Moths (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)

Silkworm moths, family Bombycidae, total 166 described species, all Old World and primarily Oriental (146 sp.), with only five species known for Africa. Two subfamilies are involved: Bombycinae and Prismostictinae. The family is in the superfamily Bombycoidea (series Bombyciformes), in the section Cossina, subsection Bombycina, of the division Ditrysia. Adults medium size (19–64 mm wingspan), with head scaling roughened; haustellum absent; labial palpi reduced, 1-segmented; maxillary palpi absent; antennae bipectinate (serrate or filiform in females); body robust. Wings broadly triangular (Fig. 43), usually with acute and falcate forewings; hindwings rounded. Maculation is mostly subdued browns and grays, with various striae or other markings; or white as in the domesticated silkworm moth. Adults are nocturnal. Larvae are leaf feeders. Host plants predominate in Moraceae. The silkworm (Bombyx mori), used for silk production, is related to other native species in China (probably Bombyx...