About 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.
How to Identify Lac Insect
Lac Insect (Kerria lacca) belongs to the order Hemiptera, family Kerriidae. Adults typically measure 1-3 mm.
Lac Insect Habitat
Lac Insect is found in forests habitats, particularly across Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Lac Insect Diet and Feeding
Lac Insect feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves with specialised mouthparts. Sap feeders extract nutrients directly from the plant's vascular system.
Where Is Lac Insect Found?
Lac Insect can be found in Asia, where it inhabits forests environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Lac Insect can be found
Is Lac Insect Dangerous?
Lac Insect is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Lac Insect Role in Nature
Lac Insect is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Lac Insect
What does Lac Insect look like?
The Lac Insect typically measures 1-3 mm.
Where is Lac Insect found?
The Lac Insect is found in Asia and typically inhabits forests environments.
What does Lac Insect eat?
The Lac Insect feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves.
Is Lac Insect dangerous to humans?
The Lac Insect is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Lac Insect?
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.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Lac Insect (Kerria lacca). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/lac-insect
MLA:
"Lac Insect." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/lac-insect.