Terran Silk

Terran Silk

Silk is a natural protein fibre, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. The protein fibre of silk is composed mainly of fibroin and produced by certain insect larvae to form cocoons. The best-known type of silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori reared in captivity (sericulture). The shimmering appearance of silk is due to the triangular prism-like structure of the silk fibre, which allows silk cloth to refract incoming light at different angles, thus producing different colors.

Silks are produced by several other insects, but generally only the silk of moth caterpillars has been used for textile manufacturing. There has been some research into other silks, which differ at the molecular level. Many silks are mainly produced by the larvae of insects undergoing complete metamorphosis, but some adult insects such as webspinners produce silk, and some insects such as raspy crickets produce silk throughout their lives. Silk production also occurs in Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, and ants), silverfish, mayflies, thrips, leafhoppers, beetles, lacewings, fleas, flies and midges. Other types of arthropod produce silk, most notably various arachnids such as spiders (see spider silk).

Terran Silk is still made on Earth in very small quantities and mostly for artisian and cottage industry customers also on Earth. Terran silk produced from the terran animal called the silkworm is the larva or caterpillar of the domesticated silkmoth, Bombyx mori. is now produced in large quantities at two planets (He Mang and Poyjang) where Chinese and Asian colonists have settled and especially on He Mang taken to a  planet wide business.

Despite the availability of modern fiber and printed clothing natural fibers and textiles remain popular and there is big demand.

Terran Silk canj etch prices of up to 80 Credits a yard..