Commercial-insects
Guides
Antheraea
tussar moths
Antheraea is a genus of giant silk moths in the family Saturniidae, established by Jacob Hübner in 1819. Species in this genus are notable for producing wild silk of commercial importance, commonly known as "tussar silk" or "tussah silk." The genus includes species distributed across Asia, North America, and other regions, with several species cultivated for sericulture. Caterpillars of Antheraea species feed on diverse host plants including oaks and other woody trees.
Kerriidae
Lac insects, Lac scales
Kerriidae is a family of scale insects in the order Hemiptera, commonly known as lac insects or lac scales. Members secrete a protective waxy resin called lac, which is commercially harvested and processed into shellac, dyes, food glazes, and wood finishes. The family includes economically important genera such as Kerria, Tachardina, and Paratachardina, with Kerria lacca being the most widely cultivated species for lac production. Some species have become invasive pests outside their native ranges, while others are valued for their role in sustainable agroecosystems.