Silk"worm` (?), n. [AS.
seolcwyrm.] (Zoöl.) The larva of any one of
numerous species of bombycid moths, which spins a large amount of
strong silk in constructing its cocoon before changing to a
pupa.
&fist; The common species (Bombyx mori) feeds on the leaves
of the white mulberry tree. It is native of China, but has long been
introduced into other countries of Asia and Europe, and is reared on a
large scale. In America it is reared only to small extent. The
Ailanthus silkworm (Philosamia cynthia) is a much larger
species, of considerable importance, which has been introduced into
Europe and America from China. The most useful American species is the
Polyphemus. See Polyphemus.
Pernyi silkworm, the larva of the Pernyi
moth. See Pernyi moth. -- Silkworm gut,
a substance prepared from the contents of the silk glands of
silkworms and used in making lines for angling. See Gut. -
- Silkworm rot, a disease of silkworms;
muscardine.
Silk"worm` (?), n. [AS.
seolcwyrm.] (Zoöl.) The larva of any one of
numerous species of bombycid moths, which spins a large amount of
strong silk in constructing its cocoon before changing to a
pupa.
&fist; The common species (Bombyx mori) feeds on the leaves
of the white mulberry tree. It is native of China, but has long been
introduced into other countries of Asia and Europe, and is reared on a
large scale. In America it is reared only to small extent. The
Ailanthus silkworm (Philosamia cynthia) is a much larger
species, of considerable importance, which has been introduced into
Europe and America from China. The most useful American species is the
Polyphemus. See Polyphemus.
Pernyi silkworm, the larva of the Pernyi
moth. See Pernyi moth. -- Silkworm gut,
a substance prepared from the contents of the silk glands of
silkworms and used in making lines for angling. See Gut. -
- Silkworm rot, a disease of silkworms;
muscardine.
