Silkworm

Bombyx mandarina moore

This series of specimens shows the life cycle of the silkworm in several stages, from egg to adult, and displays egg, larva (caterpillar), cocoon, pupa, young and adult moth. 

The vast differences in body architecture of the different stages of metamorphosising animals led some scientists to believe that they are a result of fusion of discrete organisms that express in the different stages of the animal’s life cycle. 

Story contribution:

Oron Catts and Ionat Zurr
Tissue Culture & Art Project
SymbioticA, The Centre for Excellence in Biological Arts
School of Human Sciences + School of Design
The University of Western Australia