Review paper
The eri silkworm-based industry in China
Tang, Liang-De; Sun, Yue; Tariq, Haneef; Chen, Yong-Ming; Zhang, Tong; Zang, Liang-Sheng
published online: Nov 3, 2025
manuscript accepted: Aug 11, 2025
manuscript revision received: Aug 10, 2025
manuscript revision requested: Jul 12, 2025
manuscript received: Apr 13, 2025
Open Access (paper may be downloaded free of charge)
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.
Keywords
Samia ricini
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edible insects •
resource insects •
industry chain •
biowaste •
Coriaria nepalensis
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artificial breeding •
biological control