Are silkworms poisonous?
Andrew Mccoy
Updated on January 23, 2026
Giant Silkworm Moth:
Its urticating hairs are quite fragile, and release a potent toxin that is poisonous when ingested.Are silkworms harmful to humans?
While the adult form of the L. obliqua is fairly inconspicuous, the larval form can be deadly, causing more than a thousand cases of poisoning from 1997 to 2005, with several human deaths every year.Can you touch silkworm?
Caring for Growing SilkwormsSilkworms are vulnerable to touch, and that's when adults must supervise. Kids are always enthusiastic about taking care of silkworms, but they may accidentally bruise them, leading to their death. If you need to pick the silkworm, do it very gently. Try not to use your hands.