silkworm moth

Other forms: silkworm moths

Definitions of silkworm moth

1. noun

   any silkworm moth of the family Saturniidae
   synonyms: giant silkworm moth

   types:

   Samia cynthia, Samia walkeri, cynthia moth

   large Asiatic moth introduced into the United States; larvae feed on the ailanthus

   Atticus atlas, atlas moth

   giant saturniid moth widespread in Asia; sometimes cultured for silk

   type of:

   saturniid, saturniid moth

   large brightly colored and usually tropical moth; larvae spin silken cocoons
2. noun

   moderate-sized Asiatic moth whose larvae feed on mulberry leaves and produce silk
   synonyms: bombycid, bombycid moth

   types:

   Bombyx mori, domestic silkworm moth, domesticated silkworm moth

   stocky creamy-white Asiatic moth found almost entirely under human care; the source of most of the silk commerce

   type of:

   moth

   typically crepuscular or nocturnal insect having a stout body and feathery or hairlike antennae