Dactylopius coccus, commonly known as cochineal, is a scale insect native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It primarily feeds on the prickly pear cactus, where it forms a waxy coating for protection. The female insects are harvested for their vibrant red pigment, carminic acid, which is used as a natural dye in food, cosmetics, and textiles. Cochineal dye has been used for centuries, dating back to the Aztecs and other indigenous cultures. Today, it is valued for its bright red color and is often labeled as E120 in food products. The harvesting process involves collecting the insects, drying them, and then processing them to extract the dye.