Bombyx mori their lifecycle, and enclose themselves in a cocoon made up of raw silk produced by the salivary glands. The final molt from larva to pupa takes place within the cocoon, which provides a vital layer of protection during the vulnerable, almost motionless pupal state. Many other Lepidoptera produce cocoons, but only a few—the Bombycidae, in particular the genus "Bombyx", and the Saturniidae, in particular the genus "Antheraea"—have been exploited for fabric production. If the animal is allowed to survive after spinning its cocoon and through the pupal phase of its lifecycle, it releases proteolytic enzymes to make a hole in
The Silkworm to stage his disappearance, rewrote "Bombyx Mori", killed Quine and framed Leonora for the crime. Tassel attempts to flee the party only to be quickly caught and arrested, which Strike and Robin planned in advance. Sometime later, Leonora is released from prison, Fancourt acknowledges the original "Bombyx Mori" manuscript's literary value, and Strike tells Robin that he enrolled her in investigative training courses as a Christmas gift. Much like "The Cuckoo's Calling", "The Silkworm" was met with critical acclaim, selling more copies than its predecessor in its opening weeks. Val McDermid from "The Guardian" gave the novel a positive review,