What is the difference between a moth and a silk moth?

"Silk moth" can either refer to Bombyx mori, the species used in the commercial production of silk, or any moth in the family Saturniidae (giant silk moths). Both of these are types of moths. Bombyx mori is a medium-sized white moth with large feathery antennae that was native to China and East Asia.

Saturniidae, commonly called "giant silk moths" are a very diverse group of moths found throughout the world. They tend to be large moths with gaudy colors whose caterpillars spin thick silken cocoons. The silk of Saturniidae has not been successfully used for commercial purposes.