Clathrus ruber of the mature fruit bodies have been identified as carotenes, predominantly lycopene and "beta"-carotene—the same compounds responsible for the red and orange colors of tomatoes and carrots, respectively. Lycopene is also the main pigment in the closely related fungus "Clathrus archeri", while "beta"-carotene is the predominant pigment in the Phallaceae species "Mutinus caninus", "M. ravenelii", and "M. elegans". Clathrus ruber Clathrus ruber is a species of fungus in the stinkhorn family, and the type species of the genus "Clathrus". It is commonly known as the latticed stinkhorn, the basket stinkhorn, or the red cage, alluding to the striking fruit bodies
Pigment of power and life. Natives of Peru had been producing cochineal dyes for textiles since at least 700 CE, but Europeans had never seen the color before. When the Spanish invaded the Aztec empire in what is now Mexico, they were quick to exploit the color for new trade opportunities. Carmine became the region's second most valuable export next to silver. Pigments produced from the cochineal insect gave the Catholic cardinals their vibrant robes and the English "Redcoats" their distinctive uniforms. The true source of the pigment—an insect—was kept secret until the 18th century, when biologists discovered the source. While