cochinilla

Cochinilla refers to a group of scale insects in the family Dactylopiidae, most commonly the species Dactylopius coccus, and to the red dye produced from them. The insects live on cactus plants, especially Opuntia (prickly pear) cacti, and have been used for centuries as a source of natural red pigment.

Biology and life cycle: Cochineal insects are small and often clustered on cactus pads. Females are immobile and remain attached to the plant as they feed on sap, while males are mobile and mate with the females. The female lays eggs, which hatch into nymphs that develop into adults. The pigment carminic acid accumulates in the body and is the basis for the red dye extracted from the insects.

History and uses: Cochineal was a major dye source in pre-Columbian Americas and gained global importance after European contact. Dried female insects are crushed to produce carmine dye, a vivid red used in textiles, inks, cosmetics, and food coloring. In modern times synthetic red dyes have become common, but carmine (known as E120 in many regulatory systems) remains in use in some products and markets, and is valued for its brightness and lightfastness. Some people avoid carmine for dietary, ethical, or allergy-related reasons.

Harvesting and production: Cochineal is cultivated by allowing insects to populate cultivated cactus pads, then harvesting the insects by scraping them from the plants. They are killed, dried, and ground into a coarse powder or paste to extract the pigment. The production process is labor-intensive and often concentrated in regions with suitable arid climates.

Ecology and regulation: Cochineal insects can damage cactus crops if unmanaged. Extraction and use of carmine are regulated in many countries, with labeling requirements for foods and cosmetics.