Wild silk

Wild silk is a general term referring to silk produced by silkworms other than Bombyx mori, the domesticated silkworm that produces mulberry silk. These non-domesticated silkworms typically live freely in the wild and feed on a variety of host plants, leading to silks with varying characteristics, textures, and colors.

Wild silks are often more durable and textured than mulberry silk. The colors are frequently naturally dyed in shades of beige, gold, brown, and sometimes even greens, depending on the silkworm species and their diet. Harvesting wild silk is often more challenging than harvesting mulberry silk, as the cocoons are scattered and require more manual labor to collect.

Some of the most well-known types of wild silk include:

• Tussah silk: Produced primarily by Antheraea species, particularly Antheraea mylitta in India and Antheraea pernyi in China. Tussah silk is known for its coarse texture and golden color.

• Eri silk: Produced by Samia cynthia ricini, also known as the castor silkworm. Eri silk production is unique in that the moth emerges from the cocoon before it is harvested, making it a peace silk or Ahimsa silk, where no silkworms are killed in the process. It has a woolly texture.

• Muga silk: Produced by Antheraea assamensis in Assam, India. Muga silk is known for its glossy, golden yellow color and durability. It is considered one of the rarest and most expensive types of silk.

The term "wild silk" can also sometimes encompass silk produced by semi-domesticated silkworms, where the silkworms are partially managed but still allowed to forage in the wild.

The properties of wild silk, such as its tensile strength, luster, and dye affinity, are influenced by several factors including the species of silkworm, the host plant, and the processing methods used. Wild silks are often used in textiles, apparel, and home furnishings, valued for their unique aesthetic and performance characteristics. The sustainable harvesting and production of wild silk is an ongoing concern, aiming to protect the environment and support the livelihoods of communities involved in its production.