How to Raise Silkworms From Eggs

The silkworm's life cycle is a classic example of nature in action, and can easily be observed from the comfort of your home. The cycle begins with batches of pinhead-sized eggs that hatch into tiny caterpillars. These feed voraciously on mulberry leaves until they're so fat they can hardly move. They then spin silk cocoons, inside of which they pupate, and soon emerge as moths in order to start the cycle all over again. In between, however, you'll need to be aware that successfully rearing your silkworms can provide some interesting challenges.

Instructions

    • 1

      Ensure your silkworm eggs -- which resemble pinheads and start off lemon-yellow, turning dark gray shortly before they hatch -- aren't exposed to extreme temperatures. They're happiest between 75° and 88° Fahrenheit. They should ideally be contained in a large plastic container or shoebox -- punch a few holes in the lid so there is sufficient circulation. Place fresh mulberry leaves in the container as the tiny caterpillars start to hatch. At first, they're so small that it's easy to crush them, so handle them carefully.

    • 2

      Replace old leaves regularly, as they will quickly decay and foul up the environment. Carefully remove the baby caterpillars from the old leaves and place them on the new ones. As they chew through endless supplies of leaves, the caterpillars will grow at an alarming rate. Soon, you'll be able to distinguish the solid white ones from the striped ones, although this is purely a cosmetic difference.

    • 3

      Clean out the container or shoebox regularly; the caterpillars excrete vast amounts of droppings and, left for too long, these can adversely affect the hygiene of your mini ecosystem. It may be necessary to replace your shoebox as your silkworms grow, and even to distribute them over two or three boxes as overcrowding can be a problem. Keep the shoebox in an elevated place to ensure they aren't discovered by ants or other pests.

    • 4

      Avoid disturbing molting silkworms. As the silkworms expand, they outgrow their skins and will molt three to four times during their lifetimes. For a day or two before a silkworm molts, it will become increasingly inactive. During the actual process, it remains completely motionless, with its head raised.

    • 5

      Keep your container as dry as possible -- excessive condensation forming around the silkworms after feeding is one of the biggest dangers they'll face as it encourages the development of mold. With minimum effort, it shouldn't be long before your silkworms -- now very fat indeed -- seek out a corner in your shoebox or container and spin their cocoons. Once all your silkworms have disappeared inside their new silk homes, your part in raising them is over. The silkworms will emerge as moths which mate and lay hundreds of eggs before dying.