Captive bred silkmoth, Samia cynthia C015 / 6234
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Captive bred silkmoth, Samia cynthia C015 / 6234
An adult (imago) Chinese silkmoth, Samia cynthia. S. cynthia is a native of Eastern China, where its cocoons are one source of wild silk. It is now found locally in the wild in Europe and the USA, the result of failed attempts to exploit its silk production. The picture shows a moth raised in captivity in the UK. It was taken one day after the insect emerged from its cocoon, which had been constructed in November. The eclosion (emergence) occurred in March, after about 15 weeks as a pupa ( winter in the UK). Adult S. cynthia have no mouthparts and only live for about 10 days as the imago. During this time they mate, and females lay their eggs. The large antennae on top of the head ( orange) are sensory organs; one function of which is to detect the presence of likely mating partner by scent. The sexes are indistinguishable at this magnification
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9209499
© DR JEREMY BURGESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Antennae China Cocoon Imago Pupa Samia Cynthia Scent Sensory Organ Silkmoth Wild Silk Eclosion
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a captive bred silkmoth, known as Samia cynthia C015 / 6234. Originating from Eastern China, this magnificent creature's cocoons have long been a source of wild silk. However, failed attempts to exploit its silk production have led to the species now being found in the wild in Europe and the USA. The photograph captures an adult Chinese silkmoth just one day after it emerged from its cocoon, which was meticulously constructed back in November. After spending approximately 15 weeks as a pupa during the winter months in the UK, this beautiful moth finally underwent eclosion (emergence) in March. Remarkably, adult S. cynthia live for only about 10 days as imagoes and lack mouthparts entirely. During this brief period of existence, their main focus is on mating and reproducing. The females lay their eggs while males utilize their large orange antennae - sensory organs that play a crucial role in detecting potential mates through scent. Intriguingly, at such magnification levels used for this image capture, it is impossible to distinguish between male and female specimens of S. cynthia. This particular moth was raised under controlled conditions within the United Kingdom by dedicated individuals passionate about studying these fascinating insects. Photographed by Dr Jeremy Burgess from Science Photo Library, this print serves as a testament to both nature's wonders and mankind's ongoing curiosity towards our environment's intricate intricacies
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