What are the characteristics of silk fibres obtained from the cocoons of this silk moth? The most common silk moth is mulberry silk moth and its silk fibres are soft, lustrous, and elastic and can be dyed in beautiful colors.Jul 8, 2016

What are the characteristics of silk moth?

An adult silkworm has a wingspan of 40 to 50 mm (about 2 inches) and has a thick bristly body (the adult female is larger than the adult male). It typically is blond to light brown in colour, with thin dark bands running across the body. The wings are cream-coloured and have dark veins extending out to the margins.

What are the characteristics of silk fibres obtained?

The two main characteristics of silk fibre are:

• Silk fibres are smooth and straight.
• Silk is a lightweight, is flexible and has some elasticity.

Which fibre is obtained from the cocoons of silk moth?

Silk is a fine, strong, soft and shining fibre produced by silkworms in making their cocoons. Silk is a natural fibre which is obtained from an insect (called silk moth).

What is the food of silkworm name the most common silk moth?

White mulberry leaves Bombyx mori, or domestic silk moth, is a member of the Bombycidae moth family. Because it is the primary producer of silk, it is an important economic insect. White mulberry leaves are a silkworm's signature food.

What is cocoon in silkworm?

The cocoons of silkworms, from which we unravel silk filaments, have evolved over millions of years to protect the larvae from predators as they metamorphose into moths. Broadly speaking, the cocoon shells themselves are remarkable hierarchical, nonwoven composite laminate structures (Fig. 6.1).

How is silk obtained from silkworms?

The caterpillar or silkworm spins the cocoon inside which develops the silk moth. The cocoons are kept under the sun or boiled or exposed to steam. The silk fibres separate out from the cocoon using special machines. This process is called reeling the silk.

How is silk extracted from cocoons?

Cocoons are collected and kept under the sun, or boiled, or exposed to steam. This helps in separating out the silk fibres. The process by which silk thread is separated from the cocoon is called reeling the silk. Then, the spinning of silk fibres into threads is done.