Kermes vermilio is a species of Kermes that feeds on trees. It is used by humans to make vermilion, though a mineral form used in many cultures and discovered at a similar time is cinnabar (crystallized HgS, mercury sulfide). The word (and dye) crimson is a corruption-derivative of kermes – the organism's genus, chiefly referring to its other species.Naturenet article with images and description of Kermes vermilio and its foodplant
See also Cochineal Armenian cochineal (kirmiz) Vermilion
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