Some gentle handling of older larvae is possible, but not recommended. Remove and discard leaf debris and larva frass before introducing fresh leaves and returning larvae back into the tray. The use of waxed paper at the bottom of the rearing container facilitates fast and efficient bed cleaning. Change paper frequently. Feeding Method During the larval period, provide fresh mulberry leaves a few times per day.
Pick leaves immediately prior to feeding or store cut leaves in sealed bags in the refrigerator.
Leaves must be clean and dry before feeding to the silkworms. Cut the leaves to dime-size pieces for newly hatched larvae and in larger size pieces for older larvae. Gently place leaves over larvae, one layer thick. Avoid handling larvae at any stage of maturity, even during feeding. The larvae will molt four times as they grow and develop.