|
Cochineal
natural dye obtained from an extract of the bodies of the females
of the cochineal bug (Dactylopius confusus) found on
certain species of cactus, especially Nopalea coccinellifera,
native to Mexico and Central America. The insects' bodies contain
the pigment called carminic acid, which is obtained by subjecting
a mass of the crushed insects to steam or dry heat; such large
numbers of the insects are needed to produce a small amount of dye
that the cost is high. Once commonly used as a scarlet-red mordant
dye for wool and as a food color, cochineal has been largely
replaced by synthetic products. It is used chiefly now as a
biological stain.
|
