Genus: Dactylopius (cochineal insects)

Life > Eukaryotes > Opisthokonta > Metazoa (animals) > Bilateria > Ecdysozoa > Panarthropoda > Tritocerebra > Phylum: Arthopoda > Mandibulata > Atelocerata > Panhexapoda > Hexapoda > Insecta (insects) > Dicondyla > Pterygota > Metapterygota > Neoptera > Eumetabola > Paraneoptera > Condylognatha > Hemiptera (bugs) > Sternorryncha > Superfamily: Coccoidea > Family: Dactylopiidae

Cochineal insects are found on cacti and on members of the genus Opuntia in particular. If you see white fluffy blobs on prickly pear plants or jointed cactus plants you can be assured that they are cochineal insects and if you squash one you will notice that the body contents is a vivid carmine red colour. The axtecs in South America used these insects for producing dyes and they are still harvested for this purpose as these natural dyes are considered healthier than the artificial red ones. Dactylopius coccus is the main species used for producing dyes and has been farmed in South Africa under artificial conditions but does not survive under natural conditions. All other Dactylopius species have been introduced to South Africa as biological control agents of cactus weeds.

Species naturalised in southern Africa

Dactylopius austrinus Released in South Africa for the biological control of Opuntia aurantiaca (Jointed cactus).
Dactylopius ceylonicus Released in South Africa for the biological control of Opuntia monacantha (= Opuntia vulgaris).
Dactylopius opuntiae Released in South Africa for the biological control of Opuntia ficus-indica (Sweet prickly pear).
Dactylopius tomentosus Released in South Africa for the biological control of Cylindropuntia fulgida (previously misidentified as Cylindropuntia rosea).

Species reared in southern Africa

Publications

• Moran, V.C. & Zimmerman, H.G. 1984. The biological control of cactus weeds: achievements and prospects. Biocontrol News and Information 5: 297-320.