Ikerua Moth (ICK-err-ROO-uh)
Ikerua moths are fairly common, medium-sized, nocturnal moths that lay their eggs on the leaves of the bushes of the same name. Their larvae and cocoons are harvested in order to make cloudweave, a less risky venture and more affordable than bloodsilk .
Due to over-harvesting, wild ikerua moths are seen less and less outside of the farms.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Six-legged invertebrates with four wings, the front pair larger than the back. Two long, tufted antennae.
Genetics and Reproduction
After the mating season in the Season of Opening, females lay clutches of twenty to sixty eggs (2mm in diameter) on the undersides of ikerua bush leaves at the peak of the Season of Ripening. Larvae typically hatch within a week and begin feeding on nearby leaves (sometimes that of another clutch, and occasionally unhatched eggs, but never their own clutch).
Growth Rate & Stages
After three to five days of near-constant feeding the larvae have tripled in size and are ready to use the bush's indigestible stems on which to hang their cocoons. If these (or the larvae themselves) are not harvested, the larva cocoons itself for a week to ten days before hatching into a juvenile moth.
Additional Information
Domestication
Although the moths themselves cannot be said to be domesticated, the majority of their population now thrives in a domesticated setting in the form of silk farms.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Larvae and cocoons are boiled and spun to make cloudweave. Larvae can also be eaten raw or cooked as a source of protein in regional dishes, though this tends to fall by the wayside in favor of the more valuable silk.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Throughout temperate Icalar
Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms
The ikerua bush welcomes the voracious feeding on its leaves as a way to rid itself of a rust-like mold that would otherwise bloom in the summer heat and rot the entire plant.
Lifespan
1-1.5 Years
Conservation Status
Moderate Concern
Average Length
5-6" wingspan
Geographic Distribution
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