Abstract
Two families of order Lepidoptera are very valuable for silk production in Thailand. One is mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori L., Bombycidae and the other, non-mulberry, eri silkworm, Samia ricini D., Saturniidae. The latter is the only domesticated wild silkmoth. Recently, eri culture becomes an alternative work for the farmers to gain additional income besides production of cassava in Thailand. Eri culture could contribute to handicraft industry and factory industry. In this comprehensive monograph, eri culture is explained in detail, from food plants, rearing of larvae, mounting for cocoon production, egg production, eri silk yarn production procedures including spinning and reeling machines, larvae and pupae for animal feeds and human foods, and exploitation of feces besides degumming waste products as zero-waste.
