Silver Cholla or Cylindropuntia echinocarpa

This cactus has spines similar to porcupine quills, with shingled, overlapping barbs. They attach very easily and almost appear to jump out at your clothes, flesh and hair. That is why it is often called jumping cactus. These barbs puncture flesh and catch in it more easily than non-barbed spines.

Each spine has a silvery, papery sheath that loosely covers them.The theory of the sheeth is that it reflects sunlight, collects moisture and may even make it more difficult for animals to grip the spines with their mouth.
You may ask what animals could possibly eat these very spiney plants with needle sharp spines.

The silver cholla (Cylindropuntia echinocarpa) is a spiny cactus native to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Despite its spiny defense, it is consumed by several animals adapted to desert environments. Here are some animals known to eat silver cholla:

1. Desert Tortoises
Desert tortoises (e.g., Gopherus agassizii) eat the pads, flowers, and fruit of the silver cholla. They are adapted to handle the spines thanks to their tough mouths.
2. Rodents
Certain rodents, like packrats (Neotoma spp.) and kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spp.), may eat the fruits of the silver cholla. Packrats, in particular, are known to build nests using pieces of cactus and may nibble on them.
3. Birds
Birds such as the Gambel's quail (Callipepla gambelii) and other desert-dwelling birds may eat the seeds or fruits when available.
4. Ungulates
Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) and bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) may occasionally feed on the fruits or stems of silver cholla, especially during times of scarcity, when other food sources are limited.
5. Insects
Certain insects, like beetles and ants, may feed on the flowers or fruits of the cholla, though this is less common.

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