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San Antonio Missions National Historical ParkMission San Juan Capistrano
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San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Management
Cochineal is an insect hidden under what looks like white spit on prickly pear cacti.  

Did You Know?
that the Spanish cornered the market on cochineal, a bug that produces a vivid red color, early in the Spanish colonial period? British officer coats, with which every American school child is familar, were dyed using cochineal.

Last Updated: August 29, 2007 at 16:54 EST