Samia Cynthia - Eri Silk

Eri Silk

The common name 'Ailanthus silkmoth' refers to the host plant Ailanthus. There is a subspecies, S. cynthia ricini in India that feeds upon the leaves of castor bean, and is known for the production of eri silk, and is often referred to by the common name Eri silkmoth.

The eri silk worm is the only completely domesticated silkworm other than Bombyx mori. The silk is extremely durable, but cannot be easily reeled off the cocoon and is thus spun like cotton or wool.