Meaning

A large moth native to East Asia, known for its caterpillars that feed on the foliage of the ailanthus tree to produce a distinct type of wild silk.

Examples

• The ailanthus silkworm is widely cultivated in parts of India and China for its unique, resilient silk fibers.
• Unlike the common mulberry silkworm, the ailanthus silkworm thrives on the leaves of the tree of heaven.