Yes, silkworms, specifically the species known scientifically as Bombyx mori, do still exist today.
While once found in the wild, the silkworm species (Bombyx mori) has undergone significant changes due to thousands of years of domestication by humans for silk production. These changes have profoundly impacted their ability to survive without human care.
Based on the provided reference:
- Today, the silkworm moth is thought to live only in captivity.
- This is because the species has been so genetically altered by humans that it can no longer survive independently in nature.
- A key reason for this inability to survive in the wild is that the adults have lost the ability to fly.
Therefore, you won't typically find large populations of silkworms thriving independently in their historical natural habitats. Their continued existence is reliant on human cultivation, where they are raised specifically for producing silk, primarily from the cocoons spun by the larval stage (the silkworm itself).
Why Can't They Survive in the Wild?
The genetic changes resulting from domestication have made them vulnerable. Losing the ability to fly means the adult moths cannot easily escape predators, find mates over distances, or disperse to new food sources. Their reliance on mulberry leaves for food also makes them dependent on specific environments often curated by humans.
Essentially, while the species is alive and well, its lifestyle is entirely dependent on human intervention, making it a classic example of a highly domesticated animal.
