The lac insect, scientifically known as *Kerria lacca*, is a small scale insect native to Southeast Asia. It is primarily found on trees such as fig and palmyra palm, where it feeds on plant sap. The insect secretes a resinous substance called lac, which hardens and forms a protective coating around it. Lac is harvested for various uses, including the production of shellac, a natural resin used in woodworking and as a food glaze. The process of collecting lac involves scraping it from the branches of host trees, making it an important agricultural product in countries like India and Thailand.