Silk from the Middle Latin seta, is an animal fiber. It is obtained from the cocoons of the silkworm, the larva of the silkworm moth. Silk is the only textile continuous fiber found in nature and is composed primarily of protein. It originated in China and was an important trade commodity transported to Europe via the Silk Road. In addition to China, where the majority is still produced today, Japan and India are other important producing countries where silk is grown.