Zhang, Z.H., Chen, X.M., Shi, L., Xu, L.F., Wan, Y.M., & He, J. 2004 Exploration of adaptability of cochineal (Dactylopius confusus) based on life tables.. Forest Research 17(4): 484-489.

Notes: The growth of the cochineal insect (Dactylopius confusus) in the hot, dry valley, southern subtropical zone and mid subtropical zone was studied by using life tables and sample testing. Results show that cochineal insects growing in the southern subtropical zone were the largest. The eggs and weight of female adults were intermediate and the population trend index was the highest. The mid subtropical zone was a good place for breeding the cochineal, and the insect bred in this zone was the largest and heaviest, the life cycle was the longest and there were fewer generations per year. Although the cochineal occurred in the hot, dry tropical zone, the female adult was very small and light, so the tropical zone was not the ideal place for breeding the cochineal. In every climate zone, the key factors that affected the size of the cochineal population were unhatched eggs and strong rain during the 1st and 2nd instar. Mass natural enemies were not in any of the zones.