Interaction Among the Multi-Trophic Lac Insect Complex of Flora and Fauna: Impact on Quantity and Quality of the Resin Secreted

Abstract

Lac insects are a specialized group of phytosuccivorous insects (Coccoidea: Tachardiidae) that secret resin of industrial importance having diverse applications. Due to unique biology, host preference and dispersal mechanisms, lac insects are expected to differentiate locally, forming geographic and host races without adequate morphological differentiation. 101 species of lac-insects and over 400 species of lac host plants have been reported but insects belonging to sub-family Tachardiinae are considered important for laksha-culture (lac insect farming). With a wide host-plant range and diverse habitat, the insects have developed a specialized ecosystem with multi-trophic complex of flora and fauna. Not only the lac insect but also the host plants and various biotic associations play a significant role in determining the quantity and quality of the produce. This insect being an obligate phloem sap sucker completes its life cycle on host plant species. Phloem sap is nutritionally unbalanced, as it is rich in carbohydrates but deficient in essential amino acids. Due to the scarcity of essential elements in phloem sap, endosymbionts are likely to co-evolve within the insect cell, while fulfilling their nutritional requirement. Implication of these intricate biotic associations on quantity and quality of the lac resin produced merits thorough understanding for sustained lac production.