Biotica Research Today | Volume 8 Issue 4 | Pages: 62-65

Popular Article

OPEN ACCESS | Published on : 17-Apr-2026

Non-Spinning Behaviour in Bombyx mori: Unraveling the Mystery of the Naked Silkworm

• Ann Sandhya Micheal
• Dept. of Life Science, Bangalore University, Bengaluru, Karnataka (560 056), India

Ananda Kumar M.D.
• Karnataka State Sericulture Research & Development Institute, Thalaghattapura, Bengaluru, Karnataka (560 109), India

Abstract

Non-spinning syndrome (NSS) in the domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori L., is a rare but economically important disorder characterized by failure to initiate or complete cocoon spinning at the end of larval development. Its significance lies in the paradox that affected larvae may develop apparently normally until the critical cocoon-spinning stage and subsequently fail to pupate. Recent research indicates that NSS is multifactorial, with pesticide exposure, insect growth regulators (IGRs), endocrine disturbance, metabolic imbalance, silk-gland dysfunction and viral infection implicated in its occurrence. BmDNV and BmNPV have been detected in non-spinning larvae, together with differential haemolymph protein expression. Pesticide studies further demonstrate that sub-lethal exposure can induce non-spinning before mortality occurs. This article synthesizes the recent evidence to explain NSS as a disturbance of the coordinated developmental, physiological and pathological processes required for successful cocoon formation.

How to Cite

Micheal, A.S, Kumar, A.M.D., 2026. Non-spinning behaviour in Bombyx mori: Unraveling the mystery of the naked silkworm. Biotica Research Today 8(4), 62-65.

Keywords

Bombyx mori, Endocrine disruption, Insect growth regulators, Non-spinning syndrome

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