Family DACTYLOPIIDAE

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Introduction

The Dactylopiidae, commonly known as cochineal insects, comprise the single genus Dactylopius which originated in the New world on Opuntia cactus. The red pigment cochineal or carminic acid is produced commercially in some parts of the world from Dactylopius coccus.

Five species, all introduced, are known from Australia (De Lotto 1974). In the 18th century, Opuntia plants were first brought to Australia to establish a cochineal industry (Mann 1969, 1970), but became a menace on grazing and farming land until controlled by the introduction of the moth, Cactoblastis cactorum, and several species of Dactylopius.

General References

De Lotto, G. 1974. On the status and identity of the cochineal insects (Homoptera: Coccoidea: Dactylopiidae). Journal of the Entomological Society of Southern Africa 37: 167-193

Mann, J. 1969. Cactus-feeding insects and mites. Bulletin of the United States National Museum 256: 158 pp.

Mann, J. 1970. Cacti Naturalised in Australia and their Control. Brisbane : Queensland Department of Lands 128 pp.

Williams, D.J. 1991. Superfamily Coccoidea. pp. 457–464 in, Chapter 30. Hemiptera (Bugs, leafhoppers, cicadas, aphids, scale insects etc.). pp. 429-509 in CSIRO (ed.). The Insects of Australia. A textbook for students and research workers. Melbourne : Melbourne University Press Vol. 1 xiii 542 pp.

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