What is Cochineal?
[[File:Cochinilla cubana.JPG|thumb|A cochineal]] [[File:Dactylopius coccus 03.jpg|thumb|Dried females]] The '''cochineal''' (''Dactylopius'' ''coccus'') is a [[scale insect]] in the [[suborder]] [[Sternorrhyncha]], from which the natural [[dye]] [[carmine]] is made. The insect lives in tropical and subtropical [[South America]], [[Mexico]] and [[Arizona]]. Its [[larvae]] eat [[cacti]] in the genus ''[[Opuntia]]'', feeding on plant moisture and [[nutrients]]. These insects are found on the pads of prickly pear cacti, then are brushed off and dried. The insect produces [[carminic acid]], which deters [[predation]] by other insects. Carminic acid is extracted from the body and eggs, then mixed with aluminium or calcium salts to make carmine dye, also known as cochineal. Today, [[carmine]] is primarily used as a colorant in food and in [[lipstick]]. [[File:Dactylopius coccus 02.jpg|thumb|left|Carmine extract]] {{-}} {{stub}} [[Category:Hemiptera]]