A symbiotic relationship with fungi gives lac insects their crimson hue, finds IISc study

Dried Lac Dye and clothes being dyed using Lac dye

The study from IISc found a previously unidentified yeast-like symbiont inside the lac insect Kerria lacca, which gives the insect its distinctive red colour and, may also provide other nutrients in return for shelter.

Bengaluru/ Jun 17, 2025

K Aravind Rao

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Writer

I am a Masters student in Physics at IISc. I am drawn to science writing by my own interest and by the opportunity to know about the research and the people doing it in the campus. Apart from writing press releases of journal papers, I am interested in doing longer stories covering current research in labs, profiling professors, students, etc. I am an avid reader and an amateur runner.

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K Aravind Rao

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