Kerridae

Common Name

Scale Insects

Overview

Kerridae is a family of scale insects, known for their production of lac, a resin used in various human industries. These insects are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions and are best known for their role in producing natural shellac.

Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Arthropoda
  • Class: Insecta
  • Order: Hemiptera
  • Family: Kerridae

Key Characteristics

  • Size: Small, typically a few millimeters long.
  • Body: Soft-bodied, often covered with a secretion of resin.
  • Color: Varies from red to yellow or brown.
  • Antennae: Short and segmented.
  • Wings: Males may possess wings, but females are usually wingless.

Life Cycle

  • Egg Stage: Eggs are laid by adult females.
  • Nymph Stage: The newly hatched nymphs, called crawlers, are mobile and settle on host plants to feed.
  • Adult Stage: Females remain stationary, covered by a shield of resin, while males become mobile to find mates.

Behavior and Ecology

  • Diet: Phloem feeders, sucking sap from host plants.
  • Habitat: Live on trees and shrubs, favoring warm climates.
  • Reproduction: Both sexual and asexual reproduction observed.
  • Mutualism: Often have associations with ants that protect them in exchange for honeydew.

Notable Species

  • Kerria lacca: Primary species used for lac production.
  • Paratachardina pseudolobata: Also known as the lobate lac scale, an invasive species affecting many plants.

Conservation

  • Threats: Habitat loss and chemical pesticides.
  • Status: Some species have economically significant roles and are actively cultivated, while others are pests and subject to control measures.

Significance to Humans

  • Economic: Major source of shellac and resin used in varnishes, adhesives, food industries, and cosmetics.
  • Agricultural Impact: Some species are pests, affecting crops and ornamental plants.

Fun Facts

  • Kerridae insects have been used for thousands of years to produce natural shellac.
  • The lac dye, derived from Kerridae, was historically used in textile dyes and food colorants.
  • Shellac is used in the food industry as a glazing agent, commonly known as E904.
  • The production of lac involves complex interactions with host plants and mutualistic ants.