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 | |
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 | |
|
Two instances of semi-natural hybridisation are known within this genus:[citation needed]
The caterpillars feed on Moraceae, especially on mulberries (Morus species).[3] Domestic silkworms may be fed artificial mulberry chow.