Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, l am interested in raising my own worms to spin their cocoons. l am very interested in Native silk worms, particularly those native to Ohio and the Mid-West region of the US. Could anyone recomend some good books or web sites that would provide instruction as well as resources? l'm trying to learn as much as l can before l consider trying the 'real thing'. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!
Rgds,
Kim

Hi Kim,

rearing is a very addictive hobby, time consuming and very rewarding. The best site is: http://www3.islandtelecom.com/~oehlkew/ this is his non-member site with some info and if you get serious I would suggest becoming a member for his nominal one-time fee.

The most comprehensive book is:
The Wild Silk Moths of North America: A Natural History of the Saturniidae of the United States and Canada by Tuskes, Tuttle and Collins (you can find it on Amazon and elsewhere)

I am in the northeast and we have the same native moths: luna, polyphemus, cecropia (can be prone to pathogens some years, but have very large double cocoons with lots of silk!), promethea being the most commonly raised.

I am not a spinner, but there is a great site (see link below) of a woman who uses "peace" silk which does involve killing the pupae in the cocoon as the industry for silk does. I do not know if she rears any moths other than the Bombyx mori (the one used in industry) but I am sure she can be of help.

Another site for spinners and rearing is: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CatHerders/

Hope this info helps and I'll be happy to help you when it comes to rearing our native moths

lele
Aurora Silk