Small worlds

A year ago today, I was wandering through Saguaro National Park in Arizona. The big vistas of huge cactus and desert hills is eye-catching, but looking at the tiny environments within the scene is just as fascinating.

Thorny pattern, Saguaro cactus

Thorny pattern, Saguaro cactus

Saguaro NP E 285 flower web.jpg

Plenty of insects survive among desert plants. I’ve no idea what this creature is.

Saguaro NP E 125 bug web.jpg

I imagine it is a challenge for predators to get among the thorns to try to feed on this grasshopper, who seemed quite happy climbing around the cactus.

Among the thorns

Among the thorns