Cochineal is among the most ancient and versatile natural dyes on the planet. It has excellent light- and washfastness properties and produces a beautiful range of reds, scarlets, violets, fuchsias and purples. Permanent on all natural fibres, cochineal is used like an acid dye or with a mordant such as alum. The colour (carminic acid) comes from the bodies of female insects of the species Dactylopius coccus. The insects are farmed on the prickly pear cactus (nopal), which is native to Mexico, Central and South America.