Lac Insect vs Hawaiian Planthopper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lac Insect | Hawaiian Planthopper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Kerria lacca | Nesosydne chambersi |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Kerriidae | Delphacidae |
| Size | 1-3 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Mountains |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Asia | Hawaii |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
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.
Hawaiian Planthopper
A tiny planthopper endemic to Hawaii that feeds on native grasses. It is one of over 100 Nesosydne species that evolved on the islands.
Did You Know?
The genus Nesosydne underwent one of the most spectacular adaptive radiations of any insect group in Hawaii.