Antheraea paphia, is a large Saturniid moth native to the Indian subcontinent and best known as the wild silkworm responsible for producing Tussar silk. This species is remarkably diverse, with dozens of distinct ecoraces adapted to different forest types across India, from dry deciduous woodland to moist tropical habitats. Its long association with traditional silk production has made it both culturally and economically significant, yet it remains fundamentally a wild species rather than a fully domesticated silkworm.
 
The adults are striking, broad‑winged moths with warm golden, reddish, or fawn tones and prominent hyaline eyespots on all wings. Females are larger and paler, while males tend to be more vividly coloured and more active fliers. The larvae are equally distinctive: plump, bright green caterpillars adorned with yellow dorsal tubercles and crescent‑shaped white markings edged in purple. They feed on a wide range of host trees, particularly Terminalia and Shorea species, and spin tough, oval cocoons that are harvested for their strong, naturally golden silk.
 
Beyond its role in sericulture, A. mylitta is an excellent example of ecological variation within a single species. Each ecorace has evolved to match local climate patterns, host plant availability, and seasonal rhythms, making the species a fascinating subject for evolutionary and conservation studies. Its continued use in sustainable wild silk production also highlights the balance between traditional livelihoods and forest ecosystem health.