Silk is obtained from the cocoons of the mulberry silkworm Bombyx mori, however, there are many more silk producing insects such as the moth caterpillars and arachnids such as spiders. It is a protein fiber that was first developed and used by China, South Asia, and Europe as early as 6000 BC. Coveted by other cultures for centuries, silk became a major bargaining chip for traders in these countries. Today, more than thirty countries, including China, India, and Japan, cultivate silk for mass production.