cochineal insect

noun

any of various small red scale insects of the family Dactylopiidae, related to the mealybugs and characterized by an oval segmented body with white waxy plates and short legs and antennae: the source of cochineal.

First recorded in 1795–1805

The cochineal insect is indigenous here, and is found upon the Cactus opuntia.

In hot climates, in which the cochineal insect delights, it has been preserved, and is cultivated as an article of commerce.

The Mexicans wove many kinds of cotton cloth, sometimes using as a dye the rich crimson of the cochineal insect.

The cochineal insect of Mexico and Central America is solely nurtured by the native growth of cacti.

The crimson portion owes its hue to being steeped in a bath with the little cochineal insect; and the blue to indigo.

April 18, 2024petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

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