cochineal insects are soft-bodied, flat, oval-shaped scale insects. the females, wingless and about long, cluster on cactus pads. they penetrate the cactus with their beak-like mouthparts and feed on its juices, remaining immobile unless alarmed. after mating, the fertilised female increases in size and gives birth to tiny nymphs. the nymphs secrete a waxy white substance over their bodies for protection from water loss and excessive sun. this substance makes the cochineal insect appear white or grey from the outside, though the body of the insect and its nymphs produces the red pigment, which makes the insides of the insect look dark purple. adult males can be distinguished from females in that males have wings, and are much smaller.