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πŸ› True Bugs

Cochineal Scale Insect

Dactylopius coccus

About

The source of carmine dye β€” one of the most important natural red pigments. Farmed on prickly pear cacti in Mexico since Aztec times. Still used in food and cosmetics today.

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Did You Know?

Cochineal was so valuable in the 16th century that it was the third most valuable export from the New World after gold and silver β€” a pound of dye could buy a house.