No. 10. Coccus Cacti.

PrinterPrinted by Elijah Chapman Kellogg American, 1811 - 1881

Date1851-1853

MediumLithography; printer's ink and watercolor on wove paper

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 6 5/16 x 3 5/8in. (16 x 9.2cm)
Sheet (height x width): 8 7/8 x 5 5/16in. (22.5 x 13.5cm)

ClassificationsGraphics

Credit LineGift of Samuel St. John Morgan

DescriptionA small spiny cactus, probably a prickly pear, is covered with insects. The larger, beetle-like insects without wings are the females; the smaller, fly-like insects with a single pair of wings and long spines at the rear of their abdomens are the males. An example of each is depicted at a larger scale above the cactus. The cactus grows from a rock or sand. Another small spiny plant grows near its base.

Object number1948.4.10

InscribedOn recto, lithographed title beneath image, "No. 10. / COCCUS CACTI. / Cochineal Insect."

On verso, upper left, in red ink, "56783". Lower right, in pencil, accession number and "Drw 48".NotesSubject Note: The red dye, cochineal, is made from the bodies of the female insects. (Finlay 4/7/2004)

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