Dye for Hebrew priestly garments made from a scale insect

Israeli archeologists found a piece of 3,800 year old fabric with a color associated with priestly garments (scarlet). The dye was made from Kermes vermilio, a scale insect. Scale insects appear to be legless and may not even be recognizable as insects to most people.

The word ‘scarlet’ in Isaiah 1 is sometimes translated as ‘scarlet worm’: “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18.

https://www.israelhayom.com/2024/07/18/discovery-of-ancient-textile-fragment-sheds-light-on-priestly-garments/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIUYzJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHSXyMYORSJsupP7e2ThrvkYfiCQr2m2dW9ic617cDHHlhJiLzSOzWaiW-Q_aem_wJJFU-4ujcOZgsvIs5zzWQ