When you’re working with insects in the desert, there are certain hazards you need to avoid and it’s very important to be aware of your surroundings.  One thing you really don’t want to do is run into one of these:

Jumping cholla

Jumping cholla (pronounced CHOY-ah) are meant to break easily when an animal brushes up against them because each “segment” of the cactus can grow into a new plant when it falls off somewhere else.   That means that the tiniest touch can result in your coming away with an arm or a back or a leg full of cactus pieces.  On the other hand, it’s all part of what makes Arizona Arizona – and a sort of right of passage for anyone who lives here as far as I’m concerned!  You’re not a true Arizonan until you’ve pulled cholla bits out of your skin with pliers.  :)

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