Silk has always had a romantic appeal. Silk production was a closely guarded secret, developed by the Chinese about 4000 years ago. The silk fiber is triangular, giving it unique light reflecting properties. Silk fiber is stronger than steel, yet can be spun and woven into the most delicate of fabrics.

Microscopic Image of Wild Silk Fibre

The silk worm starts its life as a pin-head sized egg. Eggs are place on a fine mesh tray, covered with choppedy mulberry leaves The grubs emerge in about two weeks and then feed voraciously. They shed their skins as they grow.

Each shedding is called an instar. Life of the Bombyx shows images of the growth of the silk worm

When the larvae is about 4 inches in length, it stops feeding and is ready to pupate and to spin its cocoon. A silk worm can spin a thread more than two miles long.

After the cocoon is complete and the pupa is removed, the fibers are slowly opened. The long filaments are drawn out from the edge into a roving that can be spun. Silk is processed in reeling and twisting factories.