Cochineal’s significance as a red dye has guided human history in the Americas and beyond. So first, what is cochineal? Cochineal is the name of the insect and the red dye that is made from it.

The motmot wouldn’t hesitate to eat a tasty cricket, but was less likely to attack a cricket adorned with red flags in its hindlegs. Credit must be given to the creator. Only noncommercial uses ...

Some creatures are harmless, yet they often spark revulsion just because of their appearance. One of these is an easy-going insect that feeds primarily on dead vegetative matter: Jerusalem crickets.