The Present Research and Utilization Situation of Cochineal Insects in the World

The research results for nearly 30 years to cochineal, including taxonomy, biology, ecology, utilization history and rearing methods, are reviewed in this article. There are altogether nine species of cochineal in the world, in which Dactylopius coccus Costa has economic importance. The developmental starting temperature of cochineal is 16.7 ℃, while at nearly 30 ℃ the development is the fastest, and the ideal temperature for cultivating cochineal is 26-30 ℃. Rainfall is the main effect that influences cultivation of cochineal. Carmine produced from cochineal has been used widely in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutics industry. The host plant of cochineal, cactus pear, also has many utilizations. Peru and Canary Islands are the main countries that produce cochineal, now, cutting cladodes are used for cochineal production in sheds. At the same time, the prospects is also proposed in this article.