WHAT IS COCHINEAL/CARMINE?

WHAT IS COCHINEAL/CARMINE?
Cochineal is a bright red colouring matter made from the dried bodies of a Mexican insect Dactylopius coccus. Billions of these insects are raised and destroyed each year for a red colouring that is used in desserts, some strawberry soya milks, clothing, etc.

Insects for dying? Isn’t this so annoying/ Don’t we have any alternatives? What harm can this insect make?