Several insects attack the cactus, including the cactus moth Melitara dentata, the blue cactus borer Olycella subumbrella, and the cactus bug Chelinidea vittiger.
Opuntia | opuntia | Opuntia stricta | Opuntia ficus-indica | Opuntia robusta | Opuntia polyacantha | Opuntia phaeacantha | Opuntia leucotricha | Opuntia fragilis |
Though there are generally few other plants in the habitat, associated species may include Pinus edulis, P. ponderosa, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Rhus trilobata, Cercocarpus montanus, Ribes cereum, Eriogonum jamesii, Opuntia polyacantha, Echinocereus triglochidiatus, Heterotheca villosa, and Yucca glauca.