Cochineal

Definition: The cochineal ( KOTCH-in-EEL, -⁠eel, US also KOH-chin-; Dactylopius coccus) is a scale insect in the suborder Sternorrhyncha, from which the natural dye carmine is derived. 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 pl... source: Wikipedia

ID

73892005

ID date

16 May 2024

Previous ID

91606004

Name

Cochineal