dactylopius

/dæk.tɪˈloʊ.pi.əs/

Definitions

1. noun

A genus of small, sap-sucking insects in the family Coccomorpha, typically red and producing cochineal dye, especially Dactylopius coccus, the cochineal insect.

“The cochineal insect, Dactylopius coccus, is a vital source of natural dye used in the production of cosmetics and textiles.”

Synonyms

  • cochineal beetle
  • cochineal insect

Antonyms

  • herbivorous insect
  • plant-eating insect