Origin, History and Distribution of Mulberry and Non-Mulberry Silkworms

Silkworms, the producers of the world’s most luxurious natural fiber—silk—have a fascinating origin story rooted in ancient civilizations. Broadly, silkworms are classified into two major groups: Mulberry silkworms and Non-Mulberry silkworms, based on their host plants. Their origins, historical usage, and geographic distribution reflect deep ecological, economic, and cultural ties across Asia.

Origin and Domestication of Mulberry Silkworm (Bombyx mori)

🔬 Scientific Classification:

Species: Bombyx mori 

    Family: Bombycidae

        Order: Lepidoptera

🏛️ Historical Background:

The domestication of Bombyx mori dates back to over 5,000 years ago in China, during the reign of Empress Leizu (c. 2700 BCE), who is credited in legend with discovering silk. Ancient Chinese texts and archaeological silk remnants confirm that mulberry sericulture was a closely guarded state secret for centuries.

🗺️ Spread and Global Distribution:

From China, mulberry silk cultivation spread via the Silk Road to India, Korea, Japan, Persia, and Europe. By the 6th century CE, India had embraced Bombyx mori, adapting it to tropical climates. Currently, India, China, Japan, Thailand, and Brazil are key mulberry silk producers.

🌿 Domestication Features: 

Bombyx mori is fully domesticated and cannot survive in the wild. Selectively bred for silk quality, filament length, and disease resistance. Highly dependent on Morus spp. (mulberry) leaves.

🐛 Origin and History of Non-Mulberry Silkworms

Unlike Bombyx mori, non-mulberry silkworms are wild or semi-domesticated and evolved in natural forest ecosystems. They are native to India and parts of Southeast Asia, and their use predates or parallels mulberry sericulture in many tribal communities.

🔬 Key Species & Native Regions:

Silkworm Type	Scientific Name	Native Region
Tasar	Antheraea mylitta	Central India forests (Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh)
Muga	Antheraea assamensis	Assam and Brahmaputra Valley
Eri	Samia ricini	Northeast India (Assam, Meghalaya)

🌍 Distribution in India

India is the only country in the world that produces all five types of silk: Mulberry, Tasar, Eri, Muga, and Tropical Tasar. Here's how their distribution looks:

🟢 Mulberry Silkworm Distribution

States: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Jammu & Kashmir

Climate: Tropical and temperate

Cultivation: Intensive, large-scale farms

🟤 Tasar Silkworm Distribution

States: Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra

Environment: Forests with host trees like Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) and Asan (Terminalia tomentosa)

Tribal Involvement: Cultivated by Santhals, Oraons, and Gonds

🟡 Muga Silkworm Distribution

State: Assam (especially Goalpara, Sualkuchi, and Kamrup) 

Host plants: Som (Persea bombycina), Soalu (Litsea polyantha) 

Cultural Value: Used in traditional Assamese garments like mekhela chador

🔴 Eri Silkworm Distribution 

States: Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh 

Host plants: Castor (Ricinus communis), Kesseru (Heteropanax fragrans) 

Significance: Produces Ahimsa silk (non-violent silk)

 Key Differences in Domestication and Evolution

Aspect	Mulberry Silkworm (Bombyx mori)	Non-Mulberry Silkworms
Origin	Ancient China	India (native forests and indigenous usage)
Domestication level	Fully domesticated	Wild or semi-domesticated
Cultural history	Elite silk trade	Tribal and local textile tradition
Silk quality	Fine, continuous filament	Coarse to medium, spun silk
Production method	Controlled rearing	Forest-based or open-field rearing

The origin and distribution of mulberry and non-mulberry silkworms tell the story of cultural evolution, biodiversity and sustainable livelihood. While mulberry silkworms powered the global silk trade, India’s non-mulberry varieties like Muga, Tasar, and Eri form the backbone of tribal sericulture and eco-friendly textile industries today.

Understanding the geographic spread and historical roots of these silkworms is essential for sericulture development, academic research, and biodiversity conservation.

📚 References

1. Jolly, M. S., Sen, S. K., Sonwalkar, T. N., & Prasad, G. K. (1979). Non-Mulberry Sericulture. FAO Agriculture Services Bulletin.

2. Thangavelu, K. (1991). Handbook of Sericulture. Oxford & IBH Publishing Co.

3. Dandin, S. B., & Jayaswal, K. P. (2003). Handbook of Sericulture Technologies. Central Silk Board.

4. Sengupta, K., & Dutta, R. N. (1992). Recent Advances in Sericulture. CSB, Bangalore.

5. Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India – csb.gov.in

6. Chakravorty, R., & Neog, K. (2011). “Sericulture and Its Prospects in Assam,” Indian Silk Journal.

7. Zhang, Z. (1994). Silkworm and Silk. Beijing: Chinese Agricultural Press