Publications [#304294] of Stephen Nowicki
search PubMed.Papers Published
- Eisner, T; Nowicki, S; Goetz, M; Meinwald, J, Red cochineal dye (carminic acid): Its role in nature,
Science, vol. 208 no. 4447
(January, 1980),
pp. 1039-1042, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) [doi] .
(last updated on 2024/08/25)Abstract:
Carminic acid, the well-known red dyestuff from cochineal insects (Dactylopius spp.), is a potent feeding deterrent to ants. This deterrency may be indicative of the natural function of the compound, which may have evolved in cochineals as a chemical weapon against predation. The behavior ofan unusual predator is described-the carnivorous caterpillar of a pyralid moth (Laetilia coccidivora)-which is undeterred by carminic acid and feeds on cochineals. The animal has the remarkable habit of utilizing the ingested carminic acid for defensive purposes of its own. Copyright © 1980 AAAS.