Cacti, with their striking forms and formidable spines, are iconic symbols of arid landscapes. These resilient plants have evolved unique features, such as thick skin and water-storing capabilities, to thrive in harsh, dry environments. Despite their apparent defenses, various creatures have adapted to overcome these protective measures, consuming cacti as a source of sustenance.
Mammals That Consume Cactus
Several mammals navigate the spiny exteriors of cacti to access their inner resources. Javelinas, also known as peccaries, are well-known for consuming cacti, including stems, pads, fruits, and spines. These pig-like animals use their tough palates and sharp canine teeth to shred the plants. Desert tortoises are also significant cactus consumers, especially prickly pear species. They use their tough beaks and jaws to scrape off spines and chew through pads, flowers, and fruits, which form a substantial part of their diet.
Rodents like packrats frequently include prickly pears and chollas in their diet. These animals primarily eat cactus pads and parts, often relying on them for nearly all their water needs in the desert. Rabbits, including jackrabbits, also consume cactus, particularly the fleshy pads and fruits, carefully navigating around the spines. Deer, while not primary cactus eaters, may occasionally nibble on fruits and new pads, especially in dry conditions or when other food is scarce.
Insects That Target Cactus
Smaller creatures, particularly insects, can significantly impact cacti. Cochineal insects, a type of scale insect, suck sap from prickly pear cacti, appearing as tiny white clusters. Historically, they were valued for their crimson dye. Cactus bugs use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on sap, often forming groups on prickly pear. Their feeding causes yellowish spots, and severe infestations can damage or kill plants.
Mealybugs are soft-bodied scale insects that suck sap, identifiable by their waxy, fuzzy bodies often hidden in crevices or at the growth points of cacti. Root mealybugs attack underground parts, causing plant decline.
Other scale insects appear as small bumps, feeding on sap under a protective covering. These infestations can spread quickly and compromise plant health.
Other Creatures That Eat Cactus
Beyond mammals and insects, other creatures also consume cacti, often for specific parts or under particular conditions. Certain bird species, such as the cactus wren, eat cactus fruits and may drink sap from wounds. These wrens also consume insects found on cacti and sip nectar from blossoms, serving as pollinators.
Finches, like Darwin’s finches, feed on Opuntia flowers, fruits, and seeds, relying on them for part of the year. Woodpeckers primarily eat insects but also consume cactus fruits.
Why Animals Eat Cactus
Cacti are a vital source of water, nutrients, and calories in arid environments where free water is scarce. Animals have developed specific adaptations to overcome the plants’ formidable defenses.
Javelinas, for instance, have a kidney modification to excrete oxalic acid, a compound found in cacti. Animals like camels have tough mouths and specialized digestive systems to handle sharp spines.
Protecting Your Cacti
Protecting cultivated cacti often involves physical barriers. Cages can shield individual plants from larger animals like rabbits or packrats. Fencing deters deer and javelinas, though hungry animals may bypass them.
For insect pests, physical removal is a primary defense; mealybugs and scale can be wiped off with rubbing alcohol, and high-pressure water sprays dislodge cactus bugs. Insecticidal soaps are effective against soft-bodied pests.
For severe infestations, systemic insecticides may be considered. Maintaining plant health through proper watering and care helps cacti withstand attacks, and regular monitoring allows for prompt intervention.