Exposé
The eri silkworm-based industry in China
Tang, Liang-De; Sun, Yue; Tariq, Haneef; Chen, Yong-Ming; Zhang, Tong; Zang, Liang-Sheng
Entomologia Generalis Volume 45 Number 5 (2025), p. 1229 - 1240
publié: Nov 18, 2025
publication en ligne: Nov 3, 2025
manuscrit accepté: Aug 11, 2025
revision du manuscrit reçu: Aug 10, 2025
révision du manuscrit demandée: Jul 12, 2025
manuscrit reçu: Apr 13, 2025
Open Access (article peut être télechargé gratuitement)
Abstract
The eri silkworm Samia ricini (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) has emerged as an economically valuable species with applications across various industries, offering strong potential for further development. This species, native to India and introduced to China, is known for its strong adaptability and diverse feeding habits, leading to its widespread cultivation in regions such as Guangxi and Guangdong provinces, China. Beyond its traditional role in textile production, the eri silkworm yields various valuable by-products, including pupae, moths, and dung. These by-products offer high potential in areas like food, healthcare products, biomaterials, bio-pesticides, and organic fertilizers. Additionally, the eggs can be used as a factitious host for mass breeding of parasitic wasps, such as species in the Trichogrammatidae and Eupelmidae families, and cocoon shells are increasingly applied in biomedicine and textile material science. However, the eri silkworm industry still faces challenges, particularly in feeding efficiency, product development and market expansion. The natural food of the eri silkworm, Nepal swallowroot (Coriaria nepalensis Wall.) is abundant in southwest China, providing a resource base for artificial breeding that is expected to boost local farmers’ incomes and contribute to poverty alleviation and rural revitalization. This review comprehensively explores the feasibility of building a complete eri silkworm industry chain and discusses future market possibilities.
Mots-clefs
Samia ricini
•
edible insects •
resource insects •
industry chain •
biowaste •
Coriaria nepalensis
•
artificial breeding •
biological control