Lizard on cactus: ants at work
Last year, I planted a lace hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus reichenbachii) with snow-white spines. It's still pretty small but it's grown a good amount. With its spectacular spines, it stands out and invariably attracts attention. Not just from humans, apparently, but also from the ubiquitous western fence lizards. Last week, one of them – a juvenile, from the looks of it – got stuck and died. At least that's what I surmised when I saw this:
When I spotted it, ants had already been busy at work.
The next day, there was little left:
And the day after, just the skeleton of the lizard:
Fast forward a couple of days, and the skeleton is gone, too, but another baby lizard has climbed onto the cactus. I don't know what makes it so attractive to lizards. Maybe the white spines?
Seeing a small army of ants consuming a dead lizard might be a queasy-making sight for some people, but it's simply the cycle of life in action.
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The little ants did their job in the environment as they should. I am glad the second little lizard did not get stuck. Very interesting post.
ReplyDeleteWe have SOOOO many lizards this year. I must admit that Stella, our dog, has caught her share even though I try to be proactive when I walk her. I even found a lizard in *our van* this summer! It must have gotten in when the doors were open.
DeleteI'm pro-lizard and anti-ant, so... :(
ReplyDeleteThe baby lizards emerged really late this year. I hope some of the little darlings can make it through winter.
A beautiful cactus, that.
LOL, I'm pro-lizard and anti-ant, too, but I've resigned myself to living with ants.
DeleteWe had lots of lizards LAST year and even more THIS year, so I'm hopeful.
That's pretty amazing. At least you have the advantage of a diligent clean-up crew on hand.
ReplyDeleteI'm still amazed. I shouldn't be surprised. I've seen plenty of nature documentaries showing ants at work.
DeleteWonderful images of nature in action. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIt may seem harsh, but it's natural life.
DeleteHaunting observations, appropriate for the approaching Halloween. As long as your cactus is back to being pristine. Did You remove the remaining spine, or did the ants finish it off?
ReplyDeleteChavli