Cochineal

Scientific Name: Dactylopius coccus

Order & Family: Order Hemiptera, Family Dactylopiidae

Size: Females are about 5 mm (0.2 in) long, while males are smaller and fly-like.

Cochineal

Natural Habitat

Found on various species of prickly pear cacti (Opuntia genus) in subtropical South and North America.

Diet & Feeding

Sessile parasites that feed on the moisture and nutrients of prickly pear cactus juice using piercing-sucking mouthparts.

Behavior Patterns

The females are wingless and live in dense colonies covered by a protective white, waxy, cottony substance; they produce carminic acid to deter predators. Males have wings but are short-lived, appearing only to mate.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits: A primary source of carmine, a natural red dye used in food and cosmetics. Risks: Generally harmless to humans but can be a pest to cactus plants; some individuals may have allergic reactions to the dye.

Identified on: 1/4/2026