Silkworms
What Do Silkworms Turn Into? The Silkworm Life Cycle
What Do Silkworms Turn Into?
Silkworms turn into silk moths (Bombyx mori). The silkworm you buy as a feeder insect is the larval (caterpillar) stage of the domesticated silk moth — the same insect that has been farmed for silk production for over 5,000 years. Understanding the life cycle helps you time purchases, maximize the feeding window, and know what to expect if a worm starts spinning.
The Silkworm Life Cycle
| Stage | Duration | Description | Useful as Feeder? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egg | 7-14 days | Tiny dots, laid by female moths | No |
| Larva (caterpillar) | 3-5 weeks | The plump, cream-colored worm. Goes through 5 instars (molts). | Yes — this is the feeding stage |
| Cocoon (pupa) | 10-14 days | Worm spins a silk cocoon and pupates inside | No (still edible but hard to access) |
| Adult moth | 5-10 days | White, fuzzy moth. Cannot fly (domesticated). Does not eat. | No |
The Feeding Window
Your silkworms are useful as feeders during the larval stage only — the plump, cream-colored caterpillar phase that lasts 3-5 weeks depending on temperature. Once a silkworm stops eating and starts searching for a place to spin, it is entering the cocoon stage and should be fed to your reptile immediately (it is still nutritious) or discarded.
At warmer temperatures (75-85°F), the larval stage progresses faster. At cooler temperatures (65-70°F), it slows — giving you more time before they start spinning. This is why we recommend storing silkworms at the cooler end of room temperature (65-75°F) to maximize the feeding window.
Are Silk Moths Harmful?
No. Adult silk moths are completely harmless. They have been domesticated for so long that they have lost the ability to fly. Their mouthparts are vestigial — they do not eat as adults. They are soft, fuzzy, white moths that live only 5-10 days, long enough to mate and lay eggs. If a silkworm cocoons and a moth emerges, it poses zero risk to you, your pets, or your home.
Can You Breed Silkworms at Home?
Yes, but it requires a source of mulberry leaves or commercial silkworm chow. Female moths lay 200-500 eggs, which hatch in 7-14 days into tiny thread-like larvae. The larvae need fresh mulberry food immediately. Home breeding is possible but requires consistent food supply and daily maintenance — buying silkworms from a breeder like All Angles Creatures is simpler for most keepers.
Shop our silkworm collection — fresh, healthy larvae shipped at the optimal feeding stage with our live arrival guarantee.
— Matt, Founder, All Angles Creatures
Last updated