Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was wondering I have only been able to find weeping mulberry trees. I am wanting to start raising silkworms and am wondering if this is the right type of tree. thank you!

Hi Justin,

the common mulberry is Morus alba and the weeping is Morus alba 'Pendula', a cultivar. The nutritional value for slikworms should be the same - or very close.

I have a question for you...when you say "....find weeping mulberry trees. I am wanting to start raising silkworms..."
Are you going to buy and plant a tree? Get leaves from neighbors? The reason I ask is that as those little guys grow you are going to need a constant supply. I raise giant silks and past their 3rd instar I am changing food up to twice a day. Now if you are planning to feed most of them while still young that's different - but of course you will need to bring many to adulthood in order for them to breed. Don't get me wrong, this is not rocket science, just know what you will need in the way of a host plant. If you live in northern climes and plan to rear thru the winter you will have to use artificial diet. If you can supply fresh food year round then go for it!

So, another long answer to a simple question - i am sure more than you need to know! Anyway, hope it helps!!

lele

btw, here is an article on the use of fresh leaves vs. artificial diet
Link

Well I live in Indiana and was planning on buying a tree and keep it potted and in the winter I would bring it inside. Won't that work. I would love to talk to you more about those giant silkies and see if you could help me any by any info that you have gained from raising them. Thanks!