PRODUCTIONS: ON THE SIDE OF THE INSECTS

DIRECTOR

PRODUCER

DURATION

VERSIONS

FORMAT

F.Armati, E.Armati

SD Cinematografica

30'

16 mm

Although the silkworm, which is actually a caterpillar, is famous for its strong filament almost a kilometer long, the larvae of all lepidoterons secrete silk for various uses. Some, like the cabbage worm, use it to make a safety-belt. Others, such as the processionary caterpillar, construct an edifice together with other caterpillars which they only abandon to look for food. Still others, like the psyche caterpillar or the moths that get into our closets, prefer a movable dwelling they can park wherever they please. The documentary describes then infinitely imaginative uses of this silk filament.
With the invention of synthetic, the silkworm fell into disgrace. Modern chemistry has not only solved man's clothing problems but has also provided him with all kind of insecticides. In just a few years, these chemicals have been poisoned, rivers polluted and even underground water beds contaminated.
To defeat cunning, creeping enemies like the parasites who attack farm crops, there are other means besides chemicals.
In order to avoid poisoning ourselves, new strategies are becoming more frequently used. This is called the biological alternative. The concept is simple: it is enough to ally ourselves with the natural enemies of these parasites and help them destroy the enemies of man.
The camera of Nando Armati went snooping into the most advanced techniques in the biological battle. We see bands of ravenous plunderers being bred with great care and then launched at the right moment against the infesting insects.