Cochineal
Cochineal
Cochineal (pronunciation: /ˌkɒtʃɪˈniːl, ˈkɒtʃɪniːl/) is a scale insect from which the natural dye carmine is derived.
Etymology
The word "cochineal" comes from the Spanish "cochinilla", which is diminutive of "cochino", meaning "pig". This is likely a reference to the insect's size and the fact that it is often found in large numbers, similar to pigs.
Description
Cochineal insects are native to tropical and subtropical South America and Mexico. They live on cacti in the genus Opuntia, feeding on plant moisture and nutrients. The insects are most commonly found on the pads of the prickly pear cactus, where they form clusters and feed on the plant's moisture and nutrients.
Use
The cochineal insect is primarily valued for the red dye that it produces. This dye, known as carmine, is used in a variety of applications, including cosmetics, food coloring, and textiles.
Related Terms
- Carmine: A bright red pigment made from the crushed bodies of cochineal insects.
- Opuntia: A genus of cacti, also known as prickly pear, which is the primary host plant of the cochineal insect.
- Scale insect: A type of insect that cochineal belongs to.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cochineal
- Wikipedia's article - Cochineal
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