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Description
“ Given the option of petroleum byproduct and smushed-up bugs, the bugs won out. ” – Lance Winters

Cochineal (Hispanized Nahuatl: Chīchīltictlapālli zayolin; Modern Nahuatl: Chīchīltiktlapālli sayolin) is the one of the scale insect in the suborder Sternorrhyncha, from which the natural dye carmine is derived.

Etymology
The word cochineal is derived from the French "cochenille", derived from Spanish "cochinilla", in turn derived from Latin "coccinus" meaning "scarlet-colored", or from the Latin "coccum", meaning "berry yielding scarlet dye".

Abilities
Natural Red 4 (Carmine, Crimson Lake, Cochineal, C.I. 75470) is produced upon boiling carminic acid in the presence of sodium carbonate with a tiny amount of ethanol. The precipitate is formed by adding calcium or aluminum. It provides red, pink, and brown color to products, such as candy, yogurt, ice cream, beverages, drugs, and cosmetics. Allergic reaction is a major unwanted effect of carmine. In some individuals it has shown anaphylactic shock as a major adverse effect.

Ecology
Other species in the genus Dactylopius can be used to produce "cochineal extract", and are extremely difficult to distinguish from D. coccus, even for expert taxonomists; that scientific term from the binary nomenclature, and also the vernacular "cochineal insect", may be used (whether intentionally or casually, and whether or not with misleading effect) to refer to other biological species.

The primary biological distinctions between species are minor differences in host plant preferences, along with very different geographic distributions.

Distribution and Habitat
A primarily sessile parasite native to tropical and subtropical South America through North America (Mexico and the Southwest United States), this insect lives on cacti in the genus Opuntia, feeding on plant moisture and nutrients. The insects are found on the pads of prickly pear cacti, collected by brushing them off the plants, and dried.

The dye was introduced into Europe from Mexico, where it had been used long before the coming of the Spaniards and French people.

Reference
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cochinea…
www.nytimes.com/2018/11/26/din…
www.sciencedirect.com/topics/a…
www.britannica.com/technology/…

This drawing was made by Ognimdo2002

Description
“ Given the option of petroleum byproduct and smushed-up bugs, the bugs won out. ” – Lance Winters

Cochineal (Hispanized Nahuatl: Chīchīltictlapālli zayolin; Modern Nahuatl: Chīchīltiktlapālli sayolin) is the one of the scale insect in the suborder Sternorrhyncha, from which the natural dye carmine is derived.

Etymology
The word cochineal is derived from the French "cochenille", derived from Spanish "cochinilla", in turn derived from Latin "coccinus" meaning "scarlet-colored", or from the Latin "coccum", meaning "berry yielding scarlet dye".

Abilities
Natural Red 4 (Carmine, Crimson Lake, Cochineal, C.I. 75470) is produced upon boiling carminic acid in the presence of sodium carbonate with a tiny amount of ethanol. The precipitate is formed by adding calcium or aluminum. It provides red, pink, and brown color to products, such as candy, yogurt, ice cream, beverages, drugs, and cosmetics. Allergic reaction is a major unwanted effect of carmine. In some individuals it has shown anaphylactic shock as a major adverse effect.

Ecology
Other species in the genus Dactylopius can be used to produce "cochineal extract", and are extremely difficult to distinguish from D. coccus, even for expert taxonomists; that scientific term from the binary nomenclature, and also the vernacular "cochineal insect", may be used (whether intentionally or casually, and whether or not with misleading effect) to refer to other biological species.

The primary biological distinctions between species are minor differences in host plant preferences, along with very different geographic distributions.

Distribution and Habitat
A primarily sessile parasite native to tropical and subtropical South America through North America (Mexico and the Southwest United States), this insect lives on cacti in the genus Opuntia, feeding on plant moisture and nutrients. The insects are found on the pads of prickly pear cacti, collected by brushing them off the plants, and dried.

The dye was introduced into Europe from Mexico, where it had been used long before the coming of the Spaniards and French people.

Reference
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cochinea…
www.nytimes.com/2018/11/26/din…
www.sciencedirect.com/topics/a…
www.britannica.com/technology/…

This drawing was made by Ognimdo2002