Lac Insect vs Sunbeam Butterfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lac Insect | Sunbeam Butterfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Kerria lacca | Curetis thetis |
| Order | Hemiptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Kerriidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 1-3 mm | 34-40 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Asia | South Asia, Southeast Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Sunbeam Butterfly
Dark upper wings contrast with brilliant silvery-white undersides. Fast-flying and sun-loving, often found darting around treetops.
Did You Know?
Its reflective silver underside flashes in sunlight, earning the genus the name Sunbeam.