Abstract
THE following observations in connection with the wild silk-producing insects of West Africa may be considered of interest. In parts of Nigeria (Ibadan, Ilorin, &c.) the cocoons of Anaphe infracta, Wlsm., and A. venata, Butler, are used for the production of a cloth termed “Sanyan,” which is woven from yarn, spun from the boiled cocoon masses, mixed with native cotton yarns. In a state of nature the silk from the cocoons of both these species is brown or yellow-brown, and is of this colour when exposed for sale in the markets, but another kind of silk, which is brought to Ibadan from Bauchi and Bornu (in N. Nigeria), is pure white in colour, and is called “Gambari,” or Haussa silk. This is only obtainable as boiled cocoon masses, and the dried remains of the worms found in them seem to indicate that they are allied to Anaphe. The collectors of this silk are said to gather the worms from the trees, on which they find them, when they are prepared to spin, and to confine them in calabashes.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
DUDGEON, G. Silk-producing Insects of West Africa. Nature 79, 160 (1908). https://doi.org/10.1038/079160a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/079160a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.