why Bombyx mori only feed on mulberry leaves? Is there any specific reason for feeding?

Question

The mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori mainly feeding on the leaves of mulberry namely Morus sp. Please clarify me nutritional content of the leaves and which component of the leaves is responsible for stimulating the feeding efficiency of silkworm on Morus sp.

Answer 1

In nature the mulberry leaves where the primary feed for the Bombyx mori. Almost all silkworms are raised in an artificial environment now. Some are still fed on mulberry leaves but most are feed a manufactured feed source. As the season progresses the nutritional value of leaves change and researchers have learned that to produce quality silk that they have to change the nutritional values of the artificial feed accordingly.