Rodríguez, N., Méndez, M.A., & Niemeyer, H.M. 2001 Direction of dispersion of cochineal (Dactylopius coccus Costa) within the Americas.. Antiquity 75: 73-77.

Notes: Dactylopius coccus has been used in Mexico and Peru as a source of natural dyes since pre-Columbian times. A phylogenetic analysis of the genus Dactylopius, and the disjoint distribution of D. coccus, suggest that the origin of D. coccus is South America and it was introduced into North America by sea routes.