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Cochineal beetle, Dactylopius coccus, on a
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Cochineal beetle, Dactylopius coccus, on a
Cochineal beetle, Dactylopius coccus (Coccus cacti) on a prickly pear cactus, Opuntia species. Handcoloured lithograph from Georg Friedrich Treitschkes Gallery of Natural History, Naturhistorischer Bildersaal des Thierreiches, Liepzig, 1840
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Media ID 23208180
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Beetle Bildersaal Cacti Cactus Carmine Coccus Cochineal Dactylopius Friedrich Gallery Georg Naturhistorischer Opuntia Pear Prickly Scarlet Species Thierreiches Treitschke
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This exquisitely detailed hand-colored lithograph depicts the Cochineal beetle, Dactylopius coccus, also known as the carmine or scarlet beetle, as it feeds on the leaves of a prickly pear cactus, Opuntia species. The Cochineal beetle is a small, oval-shaped insect, with a red, armored exoskeleton and six legs. It is a member of the family Dactylopiidae and is native to Central and South America. The Cochineal beetle is renowned for its role in the production of natural dyes. The insects secrete a red pigment, carminic acid, which is used to create a deep, vibrant red color. This pigment has been used for centuries to color food, textiles, and cosmetics. In fact, it was once more valuable than silver in Mexico due to its high demand. The lithograph was produced in 1840 by the Naturhistorischer Bildersaal des Thierreiches, or Natural History Picture Gallery, in Leipzig, Germany, under the direction of Georg Friedrich Treitschke. The gallery was known for its high-quality, hand-colored lithographs of natural history subjects. This particular print showcases the intricate details of the Cochineal beetle and the prickly pear cactus, highlighting their unique features and the symbiotic relationship between the insect and the plant. The prickly pear cactus, Opuntia species, is a succulent plant that is native to the Americas. It is characterized by its flat, paddle-shaped stems and spines that cover the surface to protect the plant from herbivores. The cactus is an important food source for many animals, including the Cochineal beetle, which feeds on the sap of the plant. This beautiful and informative lithograph provides a glimpse into the natural history of the Cochineal beetle and the prickly pear cactus, showcasing their unique characteristics and the intricate relationship between them.
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