cochenille

Cochenille, also known as cochineal, is the common name for several species of scale insects in the genus Dactylopius, most notably Dactylopius coccus. Native to arid regions of the Americas, these insects feed on cactus sap and produce carminic acid, a pigment used to manufacture the red dye carmine.

Biology and cultivation: The insects live on cactus hosts, often forming white cottony colonies on prickly pear cacti (Opuntia species). Commercial production involves cultivating female insects on host plants, allowing reproduction and accumulation of carminic acid. Harvested insects are dried and processed to extract the pigment, which can then be converted into carmine dye or pigment.

Uses and history: Cochineal dye was a major export from the Americas after European contact, becoming a valuable commodity in global trade from the 16th century onward. Carmine dye and pigment have long been used in textiles, art, cosmetics, and food coloring. In the 20th century, synthetic red dyes reduced demand, but cochineal remains in use in some products and regions.

Composition and regulation: The red pigment derives from carminic acid. In many jurisdictions it is sold as carmine or E120 and may require labeling due to allergen concerns reported by a subset of consumers.

Etymology: The term cochenille derives from Spanish cochinilla, meaning “little pig,” a reference to the insect’s appearance.