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.

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Lakshya Katariya

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I am science PhD, on the verge of receiving my doctorate. My PhD thesis focused on the termite–fungus farming mutualism while working at Centre for Ecological Sciences, IISc, Bangalore.

I am passionate about scientific enquiry, data analysis and communicating science to lay people. I also love travelling. Till now I have visited Canada, France and Germany and look forward to explore even more.

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