Publications [#304294] of Stephen Nowicki

Journal Articles

1. Eisner, T; Nowicki, S; Goetz, M; Meinwald, J (1980). Red cochineal dye (carminic acid): Its role in nature. Science, 208(4447), 1039-1042. [doi]
   (last updated on 2024/04/23)

   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.