User talk:DariusMazeika/Scrappad
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Cochineal (Coccus cacti or Dactylopius coccus) is a scale insect in the order of Homoptera, native to tropical and subtropical South America and Mexico. A parasite, it lives primarily on the prickly pear cactus Opuntia ficus-indica and Nopalea cochinillifera by feeding on moisture in its leaves. The dried bodies of the females or eggs are the main source of expensive crimson or carmine red coloured dye primarily used as an food artificial colouring or for cosmetics named after the insect.
Cochineal | |
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Cochineal insects drawing | |
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Dactylopius coccus Costa, 1835 | |
After synthetic pigments have been invented in late [19th century]], the booming natural dye producing industry has gradually diminished. However, current health concerns over artificial food additives caused a return of cochineal dyes; increased demand made cultivation of this insect again profitable .