Laccifer

The term "Laccifer" refers to a genus of scale insects, most notably Laccifer lacca. These tiny insects are the source of lac, a resinous secretion deposited on tree branches in Southeast Asia, particularly India and Thailand.123

This secretion is harvested primarily for two products: shellac, a resin used in varnishes and other applications, and lac dye, a red coloring agent historically used in Asia. Lac is unique as it is the only commercial resin of animal origin. The word "lac" itself originates from words meaning "hundred thousand," reflecting the vast number of insects needed to produce even a small amount of the substance.3