December 11, 2019

Location: Archbold Biological Station, Venus

We are known as True Cochineal Bugs,
You have eaten us many times
Our females are collected, killed and crushed
And used in food and cosmetics as red dye.

Sources: Science Digest: Dactylopius coccus is the most important insect for the production of considerable amounts of carminic acid.

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson