Morphological adaptations of silk glands across Lepidoptera

Silk production in Lepidoptera plays an essential role in their everyday lives, yet the anatomical basis of this trait remains poorly understood in wild species. While most existing research has focused on the domesticated silkworm (Bombyx mori), which has been selectively bred for high silk yield, few studies have examined how silk gland morphology varies across species that differ in their ecology. This project represents an initial investigation into whether silk gland morphology varies depending on each species' specific ecological needs and behavioral adaptations of silk use.

Silk gland morphology was quantified using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) across five Lepidoptera species: Oiketicus abbotii, Malacosoma americanum, Spodoptera frugiperda, Bombyx mori, and Utetheisa ornatrix. Specimens were preserved in ethanol and stained with Lugol’s iodine to enhance contrast. Scans were segmented and reconstructed in VGStudioMax, where silk gland length and volume will be measured and standardized by caterpillar body length. Preliminary results suggest species with greater ecological reliance on silk exhibit larger or more elongated silk glands. This study will contribute to understanding how internal anatomy evolves in response to behavioral demands and may inform future research on silk’s mechanical properties and biomaterial applications beyond domesticated species