Hemlock Woolly Adelgid vs Lac Insect
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Hemlock Woolly Adelgid | Lac Insect |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Adelges tsugae | Kerria lacca |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Adelgidae | Kerriidae |
| Size | 0.8-1.5 mm | 1-3 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Asia, North America | Asia |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
A devastating invasive pest of eastern hemlock in North America, originally from East Asia. It feeds at the base of needles, killing branches and eventually the tree.
Did You Know?
It has killed millions of hemlocks from Georgia to Maine since its detection in the 1950s.
Lac Insect
Produces lac resin — the raw material for shellac, used in wood finishes, food glazing, and pharmaceutical coatings. One of the few insects commercially farmed for a secretion.
Did You Know?
It takes roughly 300,000 lac insects to produce 1 kg of shellac — the coating on your shiny chocolate candy or pharmaceutical pill likely came from these tiny bugs.