<P> Coccus cacti Linnaeus, 1758 Pseudococcus cacti Burmeister, 1839 </P> <P> The cochineal (/ kɒtʃɪˈniːl / koch - i - NEEL or / ˈkɒtʃɪniːl / KOCH - i - neel; Dactylopius coccus) is a scale insect in the suborder Sternorrhyncha, from which the natural dye carmine is derived . A primarily sessile parasite native to tropical and subtropical South America as well as Mexico and Arizona, this insect lives on cacti in the genus Opuntia, feeding on plant moisture and nutrients . These insects are found on the pads of prickly pear cacti, then are brushed off and dried . </P> <P> The insect produces carminic acid that deters predation by other insects . Carminic acid, typically 17 - 24% of dried insects' weight, can be extracted from the body and eggs, then mixed with aluminium or calcium salts to make carmine dye, also known as cochineal . Today, carmine is primarily used as a colorant in food and in lipstick . </P> <P> The carmine dye was used in Central America in the 15th century for coloring fabrics and became an important export good during the colonial period . After synthetic pigments and dyes such as alizarin were invented in the late 19th century, natural - dye production gradually diminished . Health fears over artificial food additives, however, have renewed the popularity of cochineal dyes, and the increased demand has made cultivation of the insect profitable again, with Peru being the largest exporter . Some towns in the Mexican state of Oaxaca are still working in handmade textiles using this cochineal . </P>

Where does red dye in food come from