Cochineal (Dactylopius coccus) LC
Description
The cochineal is a scale insect in the suborder Sternorrhyncha, from which the natural dye carmine is derived. Cochineal lives on catcti in the genus Opuntia. Cochineal is native to tropical and subtropical South America as well as Mexico and Arizona. These insects are brushed off and dried for storage.
The insect produces carminic acid that deters predation by other insects. Carminic acid, typically 17-24% of dried insects' weight, can be extracted, then mixed with aluminium or calcium salts to make carmine dye.
Historical importance
Summary of results
Analytical instrumentation and procedures
Chromatograms
Absorbance at 350nm (mAU)
Sample information
File:.JPG
sample information, By R. A. Laursen, Boston University
Identified compounds
| Compound | RT (min.) | MW | UV/vis | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| carminic acid | xx0 | xx | xx | Comments here |
| x | x | x | x | |
| x | x | x | x | |
| x | x | x | x |
References
[1] [2] [3]