Wild-silk
Guides
Antheraea
tussar moths
Antheraea is a genus of giant silk moths in the family Saturniidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1819. Species in this genus are notable for producing wild silk of commercial importance, commonly known as "tussar silk" or "tussah silk." The genus includes species distributed across Asia, North America, and other regions, with several species cultivated for sericulture. Caterpillars of Antheraea species feed on diverse host plants including oaks and other woody trees.
Samia cynthia
ailanthus silkmoth, eri silkmoth
Samia cynthia is a large saturniid moth used for silk production, though less domesticated than Bombyx mori. Adults have wingspans of 113–125 mm with distinctive quarter-moon shaped spots on both wing surfaces, whitish and yellow stripes on a brown background, and eyespots on the outer forewings. The species is native to East Asia and has been introduced to multiple continents, often escaping from cultivation. The subspecies S. c. ricini, known as the eri silkmoth, feeds on castor bean and produces durable eri silk that must be spun rather than reeled.
Saturniidae
Emperor and Giant Silk Moths, saturniids, giant silkworm moths, royal moths
Saturniidae is a family of Lepidoptera containing approximately 2,300 described species, including some of the largest moths in the world. Adults are characterized by large lobed wings, heavy bodies covered in hair-like scales, reduced or vestigial mouthparts, and the absence of a frenulum. The family exhibits notable diversity in the Neotropics, with highest species richness in tropical and subtropical wooded regions. Many species produce silk cocoons, and several have significant economic or cultural importance.
Saturniinae
Emperor Moths, Wild Silk Moths, Giant Silkmoths
Saturniinae is a subfamily of Saturniidae containing approximately 644 species across 63 genera, including some of the largest Lepidoptera such as the luna moth, atlas moth, and cecropia moth. Adults are medium to very large with wingspans of 7.5–15 cm or more, and are characterized by prominent eyespots on their wings—some with realistic eye-like markings, others with crescent moon or angular shapes, or transparent windows where scales are reduced. Adults lack functional mouthparts and do not feed, living 5–12 days on fat reserves accumulated as larvae. The subfamily is divided into five tribes: Attacini, Bunaeini, Micragonini, Saturniini, and Urotini. Saturniinae is an important source of wild silk and human food in many cultures.