May 1, 2023

We are Cochineal Insects on a Prickly Pear cactus/

To you, we probably look like white mold

But we are actual insects used in red dye

After we are collected, dried, processed and sold

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/scientists-are-making-cochineal-a-red-dye-from-bugs-in-the-lab-180979828/

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson