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Silkworms

Silkworm Eggs

Instructions

BEFORE ordering: Please make sure you have mulberry leaves open to at least 1 inch or the silkworms may not have enough to eat.

Eggs can only be shipped within the continental U.S.

 

Articles & FAQs about Silkworms

Hatched Eggs

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cocoons

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Mixed group of striped and plain caterpillars, which will spin a mix of white and golden cocoons. Bred to be able to emerge naturally (Peace silk).

silkworms

 

NOTE: Eggs can only be shipped within the continental U.S. *

200 silkworm eggs

$35

2011 season begins in March in the southern US, and progresses north as the mulberry leaves open. 

Please plan a spring raising only because pollen released from tasseling corn (which has been genetically engineered to kill the corn borer, also) kills silkworms.

*  Other countries: please consult your local government in case there are no restrictions in the importation of live, domestic silkworm eggs.  Extra costs may apply for expedited shipping. We cannot guarantee delivery, viability after transit, nor success in raising (climates vary).

 

Additional Product Information

Our eggs come from Peace silk moths lovingly hand raised by Cheryl Kolander in Portland, Oregon. This strain originated with Nancy Simpson of Sacramento, California, and has been in this country and completely disease free for at least 50 years.

Commercial breeders have so upped the amount of silk one caterpillar spins that the moth cannot possibly push out. They have to be "c-sectioned," with the top of the cocoon to be cut away by hand – a delicate operation best avoided by obtaining the Peace silk strain.

Eggs start developing as soon as they are removed from our refrigerators and shipped, and they cannot be put back into the fridge. They will hatch in about two weeks from when they arrive.

When you get your eggs place them in an open container like a wooden bowl or cardboard box. Keep in a warm place, but not in direct sun. They prefer the air to be about 85 degrees, well-ventilated, and moist rather than dry. They'll hatch in about two weeks.

Raising silkworms is a great project for kids and adults alike. Please be sure you have an adequate supply of mulberry leaves, as that is all they can eat. If you live near the Portland, Oregon area I have mulberry trees you can plant, or you can buy seeds online.