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Moths of the family Bombycidae of the order LEPIDOPTERA, called silkworm moths. The family contains a single species, Bombyx mori from the Greek for silkworm + mulberry tree (on which it feeds). A native of Asia, it is sometimes reared in this country. It has long been raised for its silk and after centuries of domestication it probably does not exist in nature. It is used extensively in experimental genetics. (From Borror et al., An Introduction to the Study of Insects, 4th ed, p519)

The larva of any of certain moths that makes a strong silk fiber in spinning its cocoon.

The worm or caterpillar which produces silk.

The larva of a certain moth that produces a dense silken cocoon.

n. The caterpillar which produces silk; the larve of a white or cream-coloured moth.