Fungus makes red lac pigment, not insect

A new study reveals that a yeast-like fungus, not the lac insect itself, is the primary source of the red lac pigment. This discovery challenges long-held beliefs about the pigment's origin. Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science found the fungus, living symbiotically within the insect, possesses the genes needed to produce laccaic acid, the key compound in the pigment. The insect relies on the fungus for essential amino acids. The pigment, used in various industries, is derived from resin secreted by the insect. The study highlights the importance of fungal symbiosis and may influence future research on pigment production in other insects.