Silkworm cocoons. They lead to so many interesting facts! For example, that they make silk with their salivary glands by building a cocoon that protects them while they go through a body transformation, and that the silk thread they produce to do so is so thin that thread in one cocoon measures between 300 and 900 m in length! These creatures are amazing.  Silkworms are very peculiar animals whose evolution from wild species to their current domesticated state started somewhere in China thousands of years ago. These silkworms are really caterpillars that later on transform to silkmoths! The caterpillars themselves go through five different transformations before they even reach the stage when they can build their cocoon. These stages, called instars, are separated by a moult (Ecdysis), or a shed of the outer layer of skin. I was impressed by the number of transformation the same insect goes through in its life. Its scientific name is Bombyx mori, and that of its wild relative Bombyx mandarina. Furthermore, this insect only likes to eat leaves from one particular type of tree, white mulberry tree (Morus alba). Because of this, it got the mori part in its scientific name.

A huge industry of mulberry trees and silkworms produces the silk of the world today. I feel like participating in such an ancient and interesting industry. Perhaps one day.

The domesticated species  is completely dependent on humans for its survival. Humans made the species big and slow, and in their moth state they can't even fly! But they do produce a lot of silk.

Do we also go through transformations in our lives like caterpillars? Perhaps. The story of these insects resonates with me right now. I've got my own place Saturday, and it definitely feels anew.
I have not written in a while since the past couple of weeks were hectic with the moving and traveling to a conference and visiting friends.

Today I want to post a portrait of Lisette from the summer of 2009. Even if she doesn't know it, she helped me go through a change several years ago.