Kerria lacca is a species of scale insect of the family Kerriidae. It is most well known for secreting lac a commercially important scarlet substance that is used for dyeing wool and silk, as a cosmetic, and as a medicinal drug. Kerria lacca insects inhabit trees in colonies of thousands and secrete the resinous substance. Kerria lacca excretions can be processed to produce shellac, which is used as an ingredient in wood finishing varnishes and polishes such as French Polish. This is a natural red dye and is obtained by washing the raw stick lac by water and then precipitating the filtered wash liquor with acid. The main colouring component is Laccaic acid.