Silkworms

Silk is a natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. The best-known type of silk is obtained from cocoons made by the larvae of the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori reared in captivity (sericulture). The shimmering appearance for which silk is prized comes from the fibers' triangular prism-like structure which allows silk cloth to refract incoming light at different angles.

Silk is the most sought after fiber since ancient times. It is an extremely lustrous and soft fiber and is obtained from the caterpillar of the moth Bombyx mori. The production of silk is a time consuming and labour intensive practice.