Dactylopius coccus
Quick Summary
Dactylopius coccus is a species of scale insect native to tropical and subtropical America, primarily known for producing cochineal, a red dyestuff. This dyestuff is derived from the dried, pulverized bodies of the female insects, which feed on cacti.1
Cochineal has been used for centuries to create a range of red, crimson, and orange colors, as well as pigments like lake and carmine. Historically, it was introduced to Europe from Mexico and was a significant dye source before the advent of synthetic dyes.1
While largely replaced by synthetic alternatives, cochineal is still used as a coloring agent in cosmetics and beverages. Its dyeing power comes from carminic acid, also known as cochinealin, which is extracted by boiling the insects in water. It takes approximately 70,000 insects to produce one pound of cochineal.1
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
cochineal…of certain female scale insects, Dactylopius coccus, of the Coccidae family, cactus-eating insects native to tropical and subtropical America. Cochineal is used to produce scarlet, crimson, orange, and other tints and to prepare pigments such as lake and carmine (qq.v.). The dye was introduced into Europe from Mexico, where it…
Read More…of certain female scale insects, Dactylopius coccus, of the Coccidae family, cactus-eating insects native to tropical and subtropical America. Cochineal is used to produce scarlet, crimson, orange, and other tints and to prepare pigments such as lake and carmine (qq.v.). The dye was introduced into Europe from Mexico, where it…
Read More
insectInsects as a source of raw materials>Dactylopius scale insects found on Mexican cacti, was used for dying cloth by the Aztecs and is used today as a dye in foods, cosmetics, drugs, and textiles. Several insect waxes are used commercially, especially beeswax and lac wax. The resinous
Read More>Dactylopius scale insects found on Mexican cacti, was used for dying cloth by the Aztecs and is used today as a dye in foods, cosmetics, drugs, and textiles. Several insect waxes are used commercially, especially beeswax and lac wax. The resinous
Read More
homopteranGlandular secretionsDactylopius coccus is the source of a natural crimson or scarlet dye called cochineal dye, originally used by the Indians of Mexico. Mature females are brushed from the cacti and dried and the pigments extracted from the dried bodies. The Spanish used these dyes as…
Read MoreDactylopius coccus is the source of a natural crimson or scarlet dye called cochineal dye, originally used by the Indians of Mexico. Mature females are brushed from the cacti and dried and the pigments extracted from the dried bodies. The Spanish used these dyes as…
Read More