Carmine Pigment  comes from a cochineal which lives on a cactus.  (see drawing, the female is small compared to the male, but bulkier)  This cochineal produces an almost purplish pigment to protect itself from other insects.

Practically disappeared with the chemical dyes it becomes used again in particular in cosmetics and food.  It is raised on cactus leaves.    Back to Brilliant Carmine pageyou