Bombyx is the genus of true silk moths or mulberry silk moths of the family Bombycidae, also known as silkworms, which are the larvae or caterpillars of silk moths. The genus was erected as a subgenus[2] by Carl Linnaeus in his 10th edition of Systema Naturae (1758).

Bombyx
Bombyx mori, the silk moth.
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Bombycidae
Subfamily: Bombycinae
Genus: Bombyx
Linnaeus, 1758[1]
Type species
Phalaena mori[2]
Linnaeus, 1758
Synonyms
  • Theophila Moore, 1862

Species

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Hybrids

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Two instances of semi-natural hybridisation are known within this genus:[citation needed]

Food

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The caterpillars feed on Moraceae, especially on mulberries (Morus species).[3] Domestic silkworms may be fed artificial mulberry chow.

References

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  1. ^ Pitkin, Brian & Jenkins, Paul (November 5, 2004). "Bombyx Linnaeus, 1758". Butterflies and Moths of the World. Natural History Museum, London. doi:10.5519/s93616qw. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  2. ^ a b ICZN (1957). "Opinion 450. Suppression under the Plenary Powers of the generic name Phalaena Linnaeus, 1758, and validation as of subgeneric status (a) as from 1758, of the Terms Bombyx, Noctua, Geometra, Tortrix, Pyralis, Tinea, and Alucita as used by Linnaeus for Groups of species of the genus Phalaena and (b) as from 1767 of the term Attacus similarly published by Linnaeus and matters incidental thereto (Class Insecta, Order Lepidoptera)". Opinions and Declarations Rendered by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature. 15 (15): 254.
  3. ^ K. Thangavelu (2003). "Conservation status of silkworm genetic resources in India". In Kee-Wook Sohn (ed.). Conservation Status of Sericulture Germplasm Resources in the World - II. Conservation Status of Silkworm (Bombyx mori) Genetic Resources in the World. Food and Agriculture Organization.