Bombyx Mori – Zebra variegation
Native to: Asia, although this domesticated species does not exist in the wild.
Environment: In nature, entire life cycle takes place on the leaves of a Mulberry tree. Domestically raised silkworms must be raised in clean, dry environments.
Eats: Mulberry leaves or prepared powdererd silkworm chow derived from Mulberry leaves
Sexing: Zebra Silkworms can be sexed according to their coloration. Female Zebras have distinct black striping, whereas males lack these stripes. Both males and females have a distinct marking above their heads that looks like a black eye mask, along with symmetrical paisley or wing shaped markings along their backs.
Life Cycle: Full life cycle completes in about 6 weeks. Eggs > Kego (hatchlings) > 1st through 5th Instar (molting) > Pupa / Cocoon > Moths > Eggs
Eggs: Eggs can hatch as quickly as 7 days, however, often must be subjected to a winter or simulated winter season before hatching.
Nutrional Information: Silkworms are naturally low in fat and high in protein, calcium, iron, and Vitamin B. Nutrional data below gathered from The Worm Lady website and other related sources.
Moisture: 82.7%
Protein: 9.3%
Fat 1.1%
Fiber: 1.1%
Calcium: 177mg
Phosphorus: 2370mg
To learn more about breeding and the silkworm life cycle, check out or blog post on raising silkworms.