''Kerriidae'' is a family of
scale insects, commonly known as lac insects or lac scales. Some members of the genera ''Metatachardia'', ''Tachardiella'', ''Austrotacharidia'', ''Afrotachardina'', ''Tachardina'', and ''Kerria'' are raised for commercial purposes, though the most commonly cultivated species is ''
Kerria lacca''. These insects secrete a waxy
resin that is harvested and converted commercially into
lac and
shellac, used in various
dye
A dye is a colored substance that chemically bonds to the substrate to which it is being applied. This distinguishes dyes from pigments which do not chemically bind to the material they color. Dye is generally applied in an aqueous solution an ...
s, cosmetics,
food glaze
Food is any substance consumed by an organism for nutritional support. Food is usually of plant, animal, or fungal origin, and contains essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, or minerals. The substance is ing ...
s, wood finishing
varnish
Varnish is a clear transparent hard protective coating or film. It is not a stain. It usually has a yellowish shade from the manufacturing process and materials used, but it may also be pigmented as desired, and is sold commercially in various ...
es and polishes.
Species include:
*''
Kerria lacca'' – true lac scale
*''
Paratachardina decorella'' – rosette lac scale
*''
Paratachardina pseudolobata'' – lobate lac scale
See also
*
Shellac
*
Lac
References
*
External links
*
*
Taxonomy
Scale insects
Hemiptera families
Neococcoids
{{Coccoidea-stub