What Color Is Historically Madewith Insects?

The history of color-making has been fascinating and frustrating, with iconic brushstrokes and sought-after pigments being made with surprising ingredients such as ancient ground bodies and ground insects. Tyrian purple, once the most highly sought-after pigment in the world, was born to porphyrogennetos, meaning a person was born into a royal family. Other colors in paints and dyes come from the natural world, like plants, minerals, and bugs.

The cochineal, a tiny, cactus-loving insect, is the best known colorant from insects, obtained from the body contents of cochineal scales, Dactylopius coccus (Dactylopiidae). In prehistoric times, artists used natural materials like charcoal, red ochre, and yellow earth to create a basic palette of five colors: red, blue, and yellow. Over thousands of years, artists, shamans, merchants, manufacturers, and scientists have crushed red out of rock, using various materials.

The cochineal color, also known as carmine, Natural Red 4, and E1201, comes from a parasitic insect that feeds off the prickly pear cactus that grows throughout much of the Americas. The scarlet color comes from cochinealin or carminic acid from female cochineals, and it takes about 70, 000 bugs to make one pound of carmine. Red in art history was ten times as potent as St. John’s Blood and produced 30 times more dye per ounce than Armenian.

The cochineal red pigment, named after the Spanish term cochinilla, is obtained from an adult female scale insect. It has been used for over 2000 years in fabrics and cosmetics, with lacquered pigments derived from scale insects in the 18th century. Red has long been about power and glory, and cochineal made a red better than all others due to its brighter, richer, and more stable nature.

Where Do Red Dyes Come From?

Red dyes have a rich history, largely derived from insects, specifically from the superfamily Coccoidea, with notable sources like kermes, lac, and grana. Yet, none rival the vibrant crimson of Dactylopius coccus, the cochineal insect, predominantly harvested in Peru and the Canary Islands on prickly pear cacti. Other red dye sources include sappanwood from tropical Asia and the root of Indian plants, producing red to purple colors.

Historically, red pigments were often made from iron oxides like hematite, detected in French cave paintings dating back 16, 000 to 25, 000 BC. In ancient Egypt, linen for mummies was dyed red using madder from the Rubia tinctorum plant.

Natural red dyes, such as madder, Brazilwood, and St. John’s wort, allowed for vibrant coloration in textiles before synthetic dyes emerged in the mid-19th century. Furthermore, records exist from as early as the 7th century showing the use of red, blue, and other natural colors in Japanese textiles, often originating from materials traded along the Silk Road.

Despite concerns about health risks associated with some synthetic dyes, like Red No. 2 and Red No. 40, derived from coal or petroleum, cochineal remains a natural alternative, offering a less alarming source for those wary of industrial chemicals. The ancient practice of extracting color from insects persists, with modern attempts to cultivate these dyes using engineered microbes, continuing the intertwined legacy of art, nature, and culture in the color red.

What Was The Red Dye Before Cochineal?

After Hernando Cortes conquered the Aztec kingdom in the early 1500s, the cochineal dye was neglected for decades, with the European kermes dye being the dominant red. Cortes eventually learned about cochineal but initially mistook it for kermes. In 1868, with the invention of the synthetic red dye alizarin, cochineal's popularity declined. However, about 50 years ago, concerns over artificial dye toxicity led to a resurgence in cochineal's use.

Cochineal insects produce carminic acid, which deters predators and forms the basis for vibrant red dyes known as "carmine." When Europeans arrived in South America, they found the Aztecs creating long-lasting, cochineal-dyed fabrics, a practice that had originated with Mesoamericans who discovered the dye potential from the cochineal insects found on prickly pear cacti. This led to a demand for cochineal in Europe, especially among royalty, and made it a lucrative trade after metals like gold and silver.

Britain’s Redcoats derived their name from cochineal-dyed wool uniforms. As one of the brightest reds available in ancient times, cochineal red also found uses in paintings. Prior to cochineal’s introduction in the 1520s, European nobility struggled to achieve vibrant reds, relying on less intense sources like kermes. The trade of cochineal transformed into an international phenomenon, leading to a lasting impact on European textiles.

Which Insects Are The Source Of Pigments And Protective Finishes?

In the world of insects, particularly within the superfamily Coccoidea or scale insects, only a select few species have historically provided pigments used for artistic and protective finishes. Insects utilize colors primarily for body protection, signaling, and physiological adaptability. Most of their coloration arises from the absorption and reflection of sunlight via various pigments and cuticular structures. Unique pigments serve specific functions beneficial to the organism, with some being synthesized internally and others derived from their diets.

Prominent insect pigments include carmine, derived from cochineal insects, known for its vibrant red hue, and ommochromes, which color eggs, eyes, and wings in several species, such as the silkworm (Bombyx mori). Apart from pigments, structural coloration can also contribute to the vibrant displays seen in insect species. Insects like the Cochineal beetle are pivotal in the art world, as their derived dyes have been integral for creating textiles and artworks, inspiring many artists over time.

Insects have been classified into various pigment types, including melanins, ommochromes, pteridines, and tetrapyrroles. Each type plays distinct roles beyond mere aesthetics, such as providing UV protection or aiding in oxygen transport. Additionally, some insects, like ants, utilize colors for camouflage or temperature regulation.

Natural pigments, including those derived from insects, often display UV-resistant properties and can repel pests. Overall, insect pigments not only facilitate color in nature but also serve essential functions that extend to human artistic expression and utility.

Is Cochineal Used In Skittles?

Skittles previously contained E120, a natural red dye derived from cochineal insects, which made them unsuitable for vegans. This misconception stems from the association of carmine dye, obtained from the cochineal insect, with Skittles. While carmine is indeed a natural red dye sourced from female cochineal, Skittles themselves are not made from insects. Until around 2010, Skittles also included gelatin, another non-vegan ingredient, but this was removed from their formulation over a decade ago.

Additionally, until 2015, certain varieties of Skittles in the UK still contained carmine, contributing to the vibrant red hue of some candies. After this change, Skittles no longer contain carmine, making them more suitable for vegan diets. The red Skittles that once used carmine have shifted towards alternative coloring methods.

It’s important to note that some older bags of Skittles might still contain carmine due to the gradual transition in the ingredient list. Before 2009, they also included shellac from the lac insect. Nowadays, major varieties of Skittles lack any animal-derived components, thus aligning with a vegan diet. The curiosity surrounding the use of cochineal in food products, including popular candies, highlights the significance of understanding ingredient lists. Ultimately, while the history of Skittles includes animal products, current formulations have moved towards being vegan-friendly.

What Color Is Made Out Of Bugs?

RedCarminic acid is extracted from the bodies and eggs of dried cochineal insects, which constitute about 17–24% of their weight. This acid is combined with aluminum or calcium salts to produce carmine dye, also referred to as cochineal. In modern usage, carmine serves primarily as a colorant in food products and cosmetics, such as lipsticks, identified by the code E120 or Natural Red 4. Approximately 70, 000 cochineal insects are required to produce just one pound of dye.

Until 2009, cochineal was classified alongside other natural colorants on ingredient lists, contributing to vibrant reds and pinks in various food items, including Starbucks’ now-discontinued strawberry frappuccino. The cochineal bug, Dactylopius coccus, is native to tropical regions of the Americas, particularly Mexico. These insects, which are diminutive, can be crushed to yield carmine, a natural red dye. Unlike other natural dyes, such as annatto from achiote seeds, carmine is unique because it is derived from insects.

The female cochineal bugs are primarily harvested for this dyeing process, with their camouflage covering helping them evade predators. Researchers are exploring synthetic alternatives using microbial engineering to produce carminic acid, moving away from traditional farming methods. Although carmine has been critiqued for its insect-based origin, it is often preferred over synthetic dyes like Red No. 2 and Red No. 40, which are associated with greater health concerns. Carmine, alongside cochineal extract, remains a widely-used pigment in many red-colored foods and cosmetics.

Is Carmine Color Bad For You?

Carmine, a natural red dye derived from female cochineal insects, is commonly used in various food and cosmetic products. While generally considered safe for most people and not directly associated with specific health risks, carmine can provoke allergic reactions and other side effects, including headaches, nausea, and skin or respiratory irritations. In contrast to synthetic dyes like Red 40, which is derived from petroleum and has been linked to severe health concerns such as cancer, carmine's risks are mainly related to individual sensitivities. It is particularly unsuitable for vegans due to its insect origin.

Carmine has a long history of use, dating back to the Aztecs, who utilized the dye long before its introduction to Europe in the 1500s. It is often found in food products like yogurts, ice creams, and candies, as well as in cosmetics. Although the FDA recognizes it as safe for food use, concerns about allergies and ethical sourcing persist, especially since the extraction process involves crushed insects.

Sources report that while many people consume carmine without issues, those with allergies may experience severe reactions. Carmine's classification as a "natural" colorant has some appeal, but it remains controversial, particularly among vegans and individuals sensitive to allergens. Overall, carmine is a widely utilized dye that, despite its natural origin, requires caution due to potential allergic reactions and ethical considerations regarding animal source products.

What Color Is Named After An Insect?

Cochineal, a crimson dye derived from the cochineal insect, was introduced to Europe by Hernán Cortés during the conquest of the Aztec Empire, with its name stemming from the French word "carmine." The pigment was first documented by Pietro Andrea Mattioli in 1549. Widely valued by ancient civilizations like the Aztec and Inca, cochineal not only produced vibrant reds but also became a vital source of wealth for the Spanish Crown.

The dye carminic acid, found in the female Dactylopius coccus insect, contributed to cochineal's popularity, eventually surpassing other red colorants like kermes, which had been historically significant as well.

The rich color crimson, which originally referred to the dye from the kermes insect, is deeply associated with the vibrant red shades made possible through cochineal. Vermilion, a vivid red-orange hue, also finds its roots in insect-derived colors, specifically from the kermes, named after the Latin "vermellion."

In addition to discussing cochineal, the text highlights some of the world's most colorful insects. For instance, the Golden Tortoise Beetle, known for its metallic gold appearance, undergoes color changes throughout its life, becoming dark during its larval and pupal stages. The Sunset Moth is another stunning example, displaying prismatic red, blue, and green markings. Additionally, Picasso bugs exhibit vibrant, painted appearances characterized by patterns and colors ranging from red to orange, distinguished by their unique head markings.

Insect colors can be understood through their chromogenic properties, with varied pigments resulting in a spectacular array of hues that continue to inspire fascination in biodiversity.

What Colorant Is Found In Insects?

Cochineal dye, derived from the cochineal scale insect Dactylopius coccus, is one of the most well-known insect-based colorants, producing a vibrant red used across textiles, food, and pharmaceuticals. Historically, Pre-Columbian Maya and Aztec cultures employed this dye for various artistic and practical purposes. Insects utilize a variety of pigments to create a spectrum of colors—black, brown, red, orange, yellow, and some whites—which can be seen in diverse species like butterflies and beetles. Structural colors result from complex patterns on their exoskeletons, affecting light absorption and reflection.

Pigments are crucial for coloring the organs of invertebrates, particularly insects. The study of genetic evolution and coloration adaptation among these species reveals a sophisticated system of pigments, including melanins, ommochromes, and pteridines, which occur widely in most insects. Cochineal dye, specifically carminic acid produced by the females and their eggs, not only serves as a coloring agent but also as a chemical defense against predators.

Natural colorants, sourced from plants, animals, microbes, and minerals, play an essential role in the food industry. Carmine, a stable red colorant, highlights the significance of insect-derived pigments in creating a range of colors for cosmetics and food products. This article explores the molecular and ecological aspects of pigments in insects, their types, synthesis, and functions, underscoring their diversity and adaptive significance in various biological contexts.

What Was The First Color Named?

Red has often been the first color to be named in nearly every culture, aside from black and white. Its symbolism, tied to blood, evokes themes of strength, virility, and fertility. This exploration also delves into the origins of other colors, notably blue, which has a rich historical documentation. Linguists like Brent Berlin and psychologist Paul Kay have studied color names, tracing their origins through languages such as Latin and Greek. The first synthetic color was mauve, discovered in 1856 by William Henry Perkin while researching quinine.

Interestingly, the ancient Greek epics "Iliad" and "Odyssey" contain no mention of blue; instead, the sea is described with a dark red shade, highlighting cultural perceptions of color. The English term for orange only appeared in 1512, with previous references translating to "yellow-red." Tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) roots, many contemporary color names stem from this ancient linguistic family.

Additional colors show varied histories; for instance, pink was first noted in 1733 as a pale rose color. The name "orange" is said to have originated from the fruit, as the color named after it was a later development. The etymology reveals intersections with flora, indicating that many color terms derive from natural elements. Overall, this survey of color nomenclature illuminates the interplay of language, culture, and history in defining our perception of colors.

What Color Comes From A Bug?

La cochinilla es un pequeño insecto que vive en cactáceas y produce un pigmento rojo vibrante, utilizado durante miles de años por los pueblos indígenas para teñir textiles. Aunque la cochinilla es de origen natural, otros tintes rojos sintéticos, como el Rojo No. 2 y Rojo No. 40, provienen de subproductos del carbón o el petróleo, presentando mayores riesgos para la salud. La cochinilla, especialmente el Dactylopius coccus, que habita en América tropical y subtropical, es la fuente del color rojo en muchos alimentos, como los antiguos frappuccinos de fresa de Starbucks, que han dejado de utilizar este tinte.

El tinte carmín, también conocido como extracto de cochinilla, se elabora a partir de cuerpos de insectos triturados. Su componente principal, el ácido carmínico, puede extraerse de los cuerpos y huevos de las cochinillas, y se mezcla con sales de aluminio o calcio para crear el colorante carmín, que se utiliza ampliamente en alimentos y cosméticos. A pesar de su origen, el carmín es una opción natural en comparación con los tintes sintéticos, aunque algunos investigadores están buscando formas de fabricar este tinte a partir de microorganismos.

Así, la cochinilla, que puede parecer un insecto despreciable, ha sido fundamental en la historia del color y su influencia perdura en la coloración de la comida y cosméticos hoy en día. Este antiguo recurso sigue siendo relevante en la producción de colores vibrantes en la actualidad, destacando la complejidad de su papel en el arte, la moda y la alimentación.