Cochineal

Dactylopius Coccus

The insects are found on the pads of prickly pear cacti, collected by brushing them off the plants, and dried. The insect produces carminic acid that deters predation by other insects. Carminic acid, typically 17-24% of dried insects' weight, can be extracted from the body and eggs, then mixed with aluminium or calcium salts to make carmine dye, also known as cochineal.

The carmine dye was used in North America in the 15th century for coloring fabrics and became an important export good during the colonial period. Some towns in the Mexican state of Oaxaca are still working in handmade textiles using this cochineal.

Artwork by Bianca Kann