Description
Antheraea assamensis, Male Assam Silk Moth Specimen.
You will receive a specimen like the one shown. If you choose a spread specimen, it will be mounted with the wings spread in a Museum mounted position.
A dried silk moth specimen of the Antheraea assamensis species from Thailand offers a fascinatinf window into wild sericulture and evolutionary biology. Commonly known as the Assam silk moth or Muga silkworm, this majestic member of the Saturniidae family is famous for producing a highly durable, naturally golden silk. While the vast majority of commercial Muga production takes place in India, wild and localized populations of this species can be found thriving across Southeast Asia, including mountainous regions of northern Thailand like Doi Tung.
Key Structural & Optical Adaptations
Preserved as an entomological specimen, an adult Antheraea assamensis showcases stunning evolutionary advancements in its wings. Under a scanning electron microscope, the wing scales reveal a network of 50-to-60-nanometer-thick microridges paired with 80-nanometer air spaces. This precise biological arrangement functions as a quarter-wavelength interference filter. It selectively reflects ultraviolet (UV) light to aid the nocturnal moths in mating communication and obstacle avoidance.
Larval Development & Host Plants
Before metamorphosing into a moth with distinct eyespots, the larval caterpillar uses highly sensitive cuticular sensillae to forage for food. In the humid forests , these caterpillars feed heavily on aromatic host plants from the Lauraceae family, including Cinnamomum and Litsea species. The silk fibroin they produce is incredibly strong and stain-resistant. This protein structure has attracted modern biomaterial researchers for its potential applications in tissue engineering.
Entomological Value
Owning or studying a dried specimen provides invaluable data for biodiversity mapping. By comparing these specimens to related regional variants, taxonomists track genetic variations and preserve the ecological history of Southeast Asia’s rich wild silk ecosystems.
