Carmine is a common trade name for a red dye derived from which insect group?

Carmine is a common trade name for a red dye derived from which insect group?

• A. Honeybees
• B. Silkworms
• C. Cochineal scale insects
• D. Mosquitoes

Answer: (C)

Carmine comes from cochineal scale insects, the tiny scale insects that inhabit cactus plants and produce a pigment called carminic acid in their bodies. When the insects are crushed and the pigment is extracted and fixed with mordants, it yields a vivid red dye used for foods, cosmetics, and textiles (often labeled as carmine or E120). The other insects listed don’t produce this dye—honeybees are known for honey and wax, silkworms for silk, and mosquitoes do not yield carmine.

Carmine comes from cochineal scale insects, the tiny scale insects that inhabit cactus plants and produce a pigment called carminic acid in their bodies. When the insects are crushed and the pigment is extracted and fixed with mordants, it yields a vivid red dye used for foods, cosmetics, and textiles (often labeled as carmine or E120). The other insects listed don’t produce this dye—honeybees are known for honey and wax, silkworms for silk, and mosquitoes do not yield carmine.