How to Grow Silkworm Cocoons

To raise a supply of silkworm cocoons at home, perhaps for a craft or science project, you need to look after the silkmoth throughout its life cycle. The stage that requires most care is the larval stage. Silkworms eat ravenously as this is the growing stage of the species. A plentiful supply of mulberry leaves and a suitable enclosure should result in the caterpillars pupating in their silk cocoons in just over a month.

Mulberry leaves
Fish tank or large plastic box
Paper towel
Cosmetic or artist's paint brush
Muslin
Large elastic band
Cardboard tubes or egg cartons

Instructions

- 1
  Set up a suitable house for the silkworms. All you need is an old fish tank or a large plastic box. Place a few sheets of kitchen towel or newspaper in the bottom of the container. Add a number of fresh mulberry leaves.
- 2
  Acquire silkworm eggs or newly hatched caterpillars. These are available from craft and biological suppliers.
- 3
  Place the paper the eggs arrive on next to the mulberry leaves. Alternatively, gently brush them onto the leaves.
- 4
  Place a piece of muslin over the tank and secure with a large elastic band.
- 5
  Add new mulberry leaves at least once a day. Place them next to the old leaves and let the caterpillars crawl over of their own accord. Caterpillars are quite fragile and it is best not to manipulate or handle them unless necessary. Remove the old, wilted leaves once the caterpillars are on the new leaves.
- 6
  Replace the paper towel sheets once a week to keep the tank clean.
- 7
  Place cardboard tubes, such as empty toilet rolls, or egg cartons torn in half into the tank when the caterpillars stop eating. These provide a place for the larvae to pupate.

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