description Tasar silkworm moth Overview
The tasar silkworm moth, scientifically known as *Antheraea paphia* or *Antheraea mylitta*, is a saturniid moth native to India and Sri Lanka. The larvae of this species primarily feed on forest trees such as Terminalia and Shorea robusta, producing a coarse, durable textile known as wild tussar silk. Because the moths are semi-domesticated and cannot be fully tamed, they are utilized by rural communities for commercial wild silk production rather than continuous indoor breeding.
help Tasar silkworm moth FAQ
Are Antheraea paphia and Antheraea mylitta the same tasar moth?
They are names used for the same tasar silkmoth in much of the literature, but taxonomy is not presented consistently. Some references use *A. paphia* as the accepted name, while Indian sericulture sources commonly use *A. mylitta* ([Mississippi State textile reference](https://mem.org.msstate.edu/AnthroEnt/Textiles/Species/Antheraea_paphia.html)).
What trees do tasar silkworm larvae eat?
The larvae are polyphagous, with important food plants including *Terminalia arjuna*, *Terminalia tomentosa*, and *Shorea robusta*. These are commonly called arjun, asan, and sal in Indian sericulture ([Central Silk Board](https://silks.csb.gov.in/saraikela/food-plant-production-technology-of-tropical-tasar/)).
Is tasar silk the same as mulberry silk?
No. Tasar is wild or non-mulberry silk made by saturniid moths, while familiar mulberry silk comes from the domesticated silkworm *Bombyx mori*. Tasar is known for a coarser, more textured fabric than typical mulberry silk ([Central Silk Board](https://csb.gov.in/silk-sericulture/silk)).
Where is the tasar silkworm reared?
The moth is associated with India and Sri Lanka, and tropical tasar production is especially tied to forest landscapes in India. Unlike fully domesticated *Bombyx mori*, tasar larvae are reared on living food trees and their cocoons may be collected from the forest ([FAO](https://www.fao.org/4/k1100e/k1100e03.htm)).
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