Other hemipterans have positive uses for humans, such as in the production of the dyestuff carmine (cochineal).
The FDA has created guidelines for how to declare when it has been added to a product.
The scale insect Dactylopius coccus produces the brilliant red-coloured carminic acid to deter predators.
Up to 100,000 scale insects need to be collected and processed to make a kilogram (2.2 lbs) of cochineal dye.
A similar number of lac bugs are needed to make a kilogram of shellac, a brush-on colourant and wood finish.
Additional uses of this traditional product include the waxing of citrus fruits to extend their shelf-life, and the coating of pills to moisture-proof them, provide slow-release or mask the taste of bitter ingredients.
Other hemipterans have positive uses for humans, such as in the production of the dyestuff carmine (cochineal). The FDA has created guidelines for how to declare when it has been added to a product. The scale insect Dactylopius coccus produces the brilliant red-coloured carminic acid to deter predators. Up to 100,000 scale insects need to be collected and processed to make a kilogram (2.2 lbs) of cochineal dye. A similar number of lac bugs are needed to make a kilogram of shellac, a brush-on colourant and wood finish. Additional uses of this traditional product include the waxing of citrus fruits to extend their shelf-life, and the coating of pills to moisture-proof them, provide slow-release or mask the taste of bitter ingredients.
Hemiptera