lacinsect

Entom.: Coccus lacca , the puncture of which produces lac (q. v.). It is a native of India, feeding on Acacia arabica, A. catechu, Anona squamosa, Buteid frondosa, B. superbu, Cari a car and as , Ceratonia siliqua , Feronia elephantum , Ficus elas tic a, F. laccifera , Mangifera indica , Tectona grand is, Zizyphus jujuba , and many other trees or shrubs. When the female lac-insects crowd together on a branch, a pellucid and glutinous substance exudes from the margins of their bodies, and at last covers the whole of the insects this is lac (q. v.). lac-lake, s. Pigments: A lake prepared from lac. Its color is rich, deep and transparent. It is le brilliant but more durable than cochineal and kermes. In both these respects it is inferior to madder.