Laccifer

Laccifer is a genus of scale insects in the family Kerriidae. These insects are known for their production of lac, a resinous secretion that is harvested and processed to create shellac and other shellac-based products. The most commercially important species within the genus is Laccifer lacca, commonly known as the lac insect.

Lac insects are native to India and Southeast Asia, where they live on the branches of host trees, primarily species of Ficus and Schleichera. The insects feed on the sap of these trees, and as a byproduct of their metabolism, they excrete a hard, waxy resin. This resin encases the insects and their eggs, forming a protective coating.

The lac resin is harvested by collecting the twigs that are covered in the secretion. The raw lac is then processed to remove the insects, impurities, and debris. The refined product can be used directly as stick-lac or further processed into seed-lac and flake-shellac. Shellac has a wide range of applications, including as a wood finish, a food glaze, a component in inks and dyes, and in pharmaceuticals.

While Laccifer lacca is the most well-known, other species within the Laccifer genus also produce lac, though typically in smaller quantities or with less desirable properties. The ecological role of lac insects involves their interaction with host trees, and their secretions can also provide food for other insects and animals. The harvesting and processing of lac is a traditional industry in many parts of Asia, providing income for rural communities.