Moths are generally viewed negatively by the general public, most often associated with corruption, death, and deterioration. They are often viewed as pests, destroyers of clothing and crops. However, there is a family of moths that seems to defy the common perception of these creatures. In fact, these moths have been given the names “Emperor Moths” and “Royal Silkworms,” not only because they differ completely from most moths, but because they also are beneficial to humans. Indeed, because of the Emperor Moths' unique characteristics, they have helped to influence human culture across the world. One aspect that separates Emperor Moths from other Lepidoptera (all butterflies and moths) is the appearance of their bodies. Unlike butterflies,
…show more content…
Although the famed small, white Mulberry Silkmoth is not part of this family, Emperor Moth silk is still used around the world, albeit on a much smaller scale. It is interesting to note, however, that India's silk market is a result of the Emperor Moths, according to Tuskes, et. al: “India also has a significant sericulture industry, based on two species of Antheraea” (Tuskes, et. al 52). Unsurprisingly, silk's main use is for the making of clothing. However unusual purposes have been fulfilled by Emperor Moth silk. According to Howse and Wolfe in Giant Silkmoths, there is a species whose silk was used to make high-quality fishing line: “It was introduced to Taiwan for silk production during the Japanese occupation in the first half of the twentieth century. Moth farms were built in central Taiwan to produce silk fishing lines for export” (Howse and Wolfe 172). Thus, Emperor Moth silk has influenced how certain products are produced in the world and has helped initiate and support a few types of …show more content…
They were mainly used for various ceremonies, such as praying to gods or preventing illnesses. Some Native American tribes viewed the rattles as sacred: they refused to eat the pupa from the cocoon and often denied “commoners” from touching the rattles. According to Peigler, cocoons were even used in an attempt to cure sicknesses: “Medicine men shook cocoon rattles while curing illness and pain” (Peigler 3). Sometimes the rattles were decorated lavishly with feathers; other times were worn as decorations or placed in
Although the famed small, white Mulberry Silkmoth is not part of this family, Emperor Moth silk is still used around the world, albeit on a much smaller scale. It is interesting to note, however, that India's silk market is a result of the Emperor Moths, according to Tuskes, et. al: “India also has a significant sericulture industry, based on two species of Antheraea” (Tuskes, et. al 52). Unsurprisingly, silk's main use is for the making of clothing. However unusual purposes have been fulfilled by Emperor Moth silk. According to Howse and Wolfe in Giant Silkmoths, there is a species whose silk was used to make high-quality fishing line: “It was introduced to Taiwan for silk production during the Japanese occupation in the first half of the twentieth century. Moth farms were built in central Taiwan to produce silk fishing lines for export” (Howse and Wolfe 172). Thus, Emperor Moth silk has influenced how certain products are produced in the world and has helped initiate and support a few types of …show more content…
They were mainly used for various ceremonies, such as praying to gods or preventing illnesses. Some Native American tribes viewed the rattles as sacred: they refused to eat the pupa from the cocoon and often denied “commoners” from touching the rattles. According to Peigler, cocoons were even used in an attempt to cure sicknesses: “Medicine men shook cocoon rattles while curing illness and pain” (Peigler 3). Sometimes the rattles were decorated lavishly with feathers; other times were worn as decorations or placed in