Genus Dactylopius

Classification · Numbers · Identification · Food · Remarks · Internet References

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)

Suborder Sternorrhyncha (Plant-parasitic Hemipterans)

Superfamily Coccoidea (Scales and Mealybugs)

Family Coccidae (Soft Scale Insects)

Genus Dactylopius

Numbers

Nearctica lists 4 spp:

Dactylopius coccus Costa 1835 (Dactylopius) (Arnett says this is a Mexican insect not found in the US)

Dactylopius confusus Cockerell 1893 (Coccus)

Dactylopius indicus Green 1908 (Coccus)

Dactylopius tomentosus Lamarck 1801 (Coccus)

Identification

Since there are several species that feed on cactus found in the US, a professional opinion based on a specimen is probably needed to get an individual to species level.

Food

All species feed on Opuntia and Nopalea cactus.

Remarks

Cochineal insects are the source of a red dye much used and highly valued before the advent of synthetic dyes.

Internet References

USDA

Contributed by Hannah Nendick-Mason on 27 May, 2006 - 9:23am
Last updated 1 October, 2006 - 8:49pm

Disclaimer: Dedicated naturalists volunteer their time and resources here to provide this service. We strive to provide accurate information, but we are mostly just amateurs attempting to make sense of a diverse natural world. If you need expert professional advice, contact your local extension office.

Contributors own the copyright to and are solely responsible for contributed content.
Click the contributor's name for licensing and usage information.
Everything else copyright © 2003-2008 Iowa State University, unless otherwise noted.

Bugguide is hosted by Iowa State University Entomology.

Printer Friendly Version