Cochineal (Dactylopius coccus Costa, Coccus cati Auct.)
This dye insect is native to Central America and lives on cactuses (Nopalea cochenilli). Only female insects include dyestuffs. The individuals measure a maximum of 5 mm so that 130,000 are require for a kilogram. They can be harvested several times a year.
Cochineal was used in the Mexico before B.C. 1000 and the insect was known very important sources of red color dyeing. Known as in English cochineal, German Cochenille, French Cochenille domestique, Greek kokkinili and Arabic Cok-neaL names with red color naturel dyestuff.