Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Popular Insects
Cochineal

Cochineal

Dactylopius coccus

A species of Cochineals

The cochineal (Dactylopius coccus) produces a substance called carminic acid that acts as a deterrent for most predators. Amazingly, this substance may also be extracted from the insect to make a natural dye, a process it does not likely enjoy. Its usage as a dye producer was eventually overtaken by further production of human-made dyes.

General Info About Cochineal
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Cochineal
Colors
Gray
White
Habitat
cactus
Adult Food Sources
Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear cactus sap), opuntia robusta (wheel cactus sap), opuntia megacantha (pancake prickly pear sap), opuntia tomentosa (woollyjoint prickly pear sap)
Larva Food Source
Opuntia ficus-indica (prickly pear cactus sap), opuntia robusta (wheel cactus sap), opuntia megacantha (pancake prickly pear sap), opuntia tomentosa (woollyjoint prickly pear sap), other species of the opuntia genus (cactus sap)
Non-poisonous
The Cochineal is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Cochineal feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Piercing-sucking mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Cochineal
It is native to tropical and subtropical South America through North America (Mexico and the Southwest United States).
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Cochineal
United States
Rectangle
Adult Size of Cochineal
5 mm
Rectangle
Predators of Cochineal Larvae
Ants, lady beetles, predatory thrips, lacewings
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Cochineal
Ants, lady beetles, predatory thrips, lacewings
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Cochineal
Despite its tiny size, cochineal performs a remarkable transformation, turning a dull plant into a vibrant red dye that's been prized for centuries.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Cochineal
Tips for Finding Cochineal
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Cochineal
Deserts and Arid Regions, On and Within Other Organisms (Parasitic and Symbiotic Relationships)
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Cochineal
Deserts and Arid Regions, On and Within Other Organisms (Parasitic and Symbiotic Relationships)
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Cochineal
The best time to find cochineal tends to be during warm, dry conditions when their host cacti are most active and accessible.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Cochineal
Dry, sunny weather is most suitable for finding cochineal as it promotes the growth and sap production of their cactus hosts.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Cochineal at Different Life Stages
Nymph Cochineal nymphs, which are called crawlers, can be found on the surface of prickly pear cactus pads. To find them, carefully examine the cactus pads, especially in crevices and where the spines attach to the cacti.
Adult Adult cochineal are often clustered together for protection and are easier to spot. Search for dense, cotton-like clusters on the pads of prickly pear cacti, as these are indicative of cochineal colonies.
Are Cochineal harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow