Shellac is the refined form of lac i.e. sticklac. Lac is produced by female lac insect Kerria lacca. These insects suck the sap of tender shoots of trees/plants on which they survive and complete their life cycle. During their life cycle the insect secretes resinous material (lac) and forms a protective covering to protect itself and its offsprings – larvae. When larvae grows up these leave protective cover and settle at another part of the tree/plant. Mother dies inside, as natural death, having completed its life cycle. When sticklac is harvested there is no living animal/insect inside the resinous protective cover i.e. lac. Thus, lac and shellac are vegetarian as both donot contain any part of living insect body. There are other similar examples of vegetarian produce from animals/insects like milk, honey, silk etc.