Nopal Worm - An Extraordinary Insect FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT IN MEXICO AND PERU HOW are bright red colors used in some lipsticks and other cosmetics obtained? You may be surprised to learn that the crimson dye in some blushes and lipsticks comes from nopal worm, an insect that lives on prickly pear. Let's take a closer look at this extraordinary insect. Harmful or useful? The adult female nopal worm measures approximately three millimeters, so it is about the size of a match head. Males are about half the size. But don't be fooled by the size of the worm. One encyclopedia states: "[Nopal worm] is one of the most harmful species of insects." Despite this reputation, some farmers even keep it. Why? To obtain cochineal, a crimson dye of beautiful shades, which comes from the dried and crushed bodies of female nopal worms. Nopal worms have been used to make dyes since the ancient Mixteks, who lived in what is now Oaxaca. The crimson color obtained from the worm enchanted the Spanish conquerors, and many other Europeans soon became interested in it, for the rich shades that could be achieved with this natural dye. In Britain, cochineal was used in the manufacture of traditional scarlet military uniforms. Cochineal dyeing was so widespread that cochineal was one of the most valuable export items in Mexico from 1650 to 1860 - surpassed only by gold and silver. Disappeared and reappeared In the mid-nineteenth century, natural dyes began to be replaced by synthetic ones. Many factors have contributed to this. John Henkel explains in the FDA Consumer: "Chemical dyes were easier to produce, cheaper, and had better dyeing properties." "However, as these dyes became more and more common," says Henkel, "there were growing concerns about their safety." Studies in the 1970s suggested that certain synthetic dyes could cause cancer. After reports of a possible health risk spread, natural dyes began to return to the scene. For example, in Peru today, 85 percent of the world's cochineal production is produced. Other areas known for worm farming include the Canary Islands, southern Spain, Algeria and Central and South America. However, the current demand for carmine exceeds its supply, which is why the Mexican government is trying to increase its production. How the crimson dye is produced Nopal worm spends its entire life on individual prickly pear cells. It protects against predators by excreting a wax-like powder substance. This fluffy material, in which the insect encapsulates, serves the worm as its house. This makes it easy to determine where the insects are at harvest time. The red pigment or carminic acid is only in the body of females, with fertilized females having the highest pigment content. Therefore, in an effort to obtain the highest possible dye, the workers focus mainly on collecting fertilized females, at a time when they have not yet laid eggs. In the Andes in Peru, collection takes place about three times in seven months. The worms are scraped from the plant with a stiff brush or blunt blade. They are then dried, cleaned and pulverized, which is further processed with sodium or ammonium carbonate solution. The solid insect remains are removed by filtration and the liquid obtained is purified. It is also possible to add lime, which achieves purple shades. Although the idea of applying makeup made from insects doesn't seem very appealing, you can be sure that natural "dyes are among the most explored," says Henkel. "These dyes have been studied, studied and studied again, sometimes maybe a hundred times. If someone praises you for how amazing you look, it may be partly due to the extraordinary insect, which is a nopal worm. Apparently you brought it home with the soil you bought, but you won't have to take care of your plants any more, or I don't know how to fertilize them, my dad only grew succulents and large cacti, so I know these beetles.