A large fraction of the genome of the lepidopteran Antheraea pernyi consists of interspersed single-copy sequences and repetitive DNA sequences of 300 nucleotide average length. Most of the single-copy sequences are about 800 nucleotides long and a minority are considerably longer. Thus, the organization of the DNA sequences of this insect is similar to that of most higher organisms and differe...

Biological materials are hierarchically organized complex composites, which embrace multiple practical functionalities. As an example, the wild silkworm cocoon provides multiple protective functions against environmental and physical hazards, promoting the survival chance of moth pupae that resides inside. In the present investigation, the microstructure and thermal property of the Chinese tuss...

There is a preponderance of evidence that the tussah silkmoth Antheraea pernyi was derived thousands of years ago from the wild A. roylei. Historical, sericultural, morphological, cytogenetic, and taxonomic data are cited in support of this hypothesis. This explains why A. pernyi is very easy to mass rear, produces copious quantities of silk in its cocoons, and the oak tasar “hybrid”crosses bet...