This project looks more broadly at the cocoons of 27 different species from different environments in terms of their morphology, composition and structure, on the basis that the cocoons have evolved to use two relatively consistent component materials (fibroin fibres and sericin binder) to fulfil a variety of functions in a wide range of different environments. We believe that these structures will provide a solid basis for bio-inspired design and manufacture of artificial composites based on combinations of natural and synthetic materials, just as the model for B. mori.