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

Somnath Danayak (सोमनाथ डनायक)

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Somnath Danayak holds a M.Tech degree in Materials Science from IIT Kanpur. As a Technical Superintendent at Materials Science Programme, IIT Kanpur, he maintains the lab there.Some of his instriment designs can be watched at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ87XAks4RNlcDVzO5hRuVw?view_as=subscr…. He is also a poet and a writer, who is passionate towards science and technology. He has also completed his Pratham Deeksha in Sanskrit from IITK Centre of Samskrit Bharti.

Check out my work: https://www.jagranjunction.com/kayanad13/

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Somnath Danayak

Somnath Danayak (सोमनाथ डनायक)

@sciresmatters

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