Abstract: Carminic acid (CA) of cochineal insects (Dactylopius coccus Costa) which were bred in different climate conditions and different bred methods was determined. Results showed that the CA contents of cochineal insects bred in different climate conditions were 14.56%—26.29% with average 19.78%. Therein, the CA contents of cochineal insects harvested in spring, summer and autumn were 19.79%, 21.03% and 1851% respectively. The CA contents of cochineal insects bred in the same climate conditions were 17.71%—19.79% with average 18.77% in nature condition, 20.84%—23.96% with average 22.06% in shade canopy, 18.74%—26.29% with average 22.24% in greenhouse. Therefore, the CA contents of cochineal insects harvested in spring, summer and autumn were 23.35%, 20.45% and 19.27% from site B. There was no significant difference in CA of cochineal insects derived from different bred areas and harvest seasons. Nevertheless, there was high significant difference in CA of cochineal insects derived from different bred methods and cochineal insects’ classes. The results indicated that it was suitable to breed cochineal insects under the plastic house and the shade canopy in south subtropical, but under the plastic house in middle subtropical and north subtropical.