Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument's Six Legged Friends
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a unique unit of the national park system, serving as a trinational landscape in addition to maintaining a designation as a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve.
By Alia Starman, January 14, 2026 // Western National Parks
Beneath the desert sun of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, the smallest creatures do the biggest jobs. Insects play an essential role in their ecosystem: pollinating plants, decomposing materials, and serving as food for other creatures. Because they are sensitive to changes in the environment, studying insect behavior, number, and diversity can give insights into the health of their desert habitat.
That’s exactly what Lauren Weidner and her research group at Arizona State University are doing. Through a series of surveys, her team is building a much-needed record of insect life within Organ Pipe Cactus. Before their project began, little to no data had been collected on the monument’s insects for more than thirty years. The group’s work aims to document changes in biodiversity, insect populations, and the balance between native and invasive species—information that could inform future conservation and land management decisions.
A Sonoran Tiger Mantis observed in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, photographed July 27, 2024.
Each survey trip begins before sunrise. Over the past three years, Weidner’s team has made regular journeys to Organ Pipe Cactus, spending several days in the field at a time. During the hot Arizona summer months, they work early in the morning, late in the evening, and after dark, when insects are most active and temperatures are bearable. Despite its challenges, Andrew Meeds, the lab manager and project lead, describes field work as a highlight of the research process.
“I was one of those kids who played with bugs and never grew out of it,” Meeds said. “It’s amazing what you can find out there when you spend the time looking."
A Creosote Moth on one of the light "traps" set up by researchers at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. December 25, 2024.
Chris Morales, a former undergraduate student who worked on the project, accompanied Meeds on many trips to Organ Pipe Cactus. During the day, heat allowing, they hiked through the park looking for insects. At night, Morales assisted in setting up “traps," a simple setup of a white sheet and a UV light, used to attract night-active bugs from the surrounding area. They collect, photograph, and record their findings, working late to capture the desert’s hidden nightlife.
“As an environmental science major, I appreciated the big things,” Morales said. “This research made me appreciate all the small things, too."
A Creosote Bush Grasshopper, photographed August 15, 2024.
Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is one of the most ecologically diverse landscapes in the Sonoran Desert. Across the US-Mexico border, the monument continues south into El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar, forming one of the largest protected desert regions in North America. Both parks are part of a UNESCO biosphere reserve, a global program created to research how humans can live alongside nature sustainably. The stewards of Organ Pipe Cactus and Pinacate work together to protect the natural and cultural heritage of each park for the locals residing near them, and for the world as a whole.
Chicatana Leafcutter Ants observed in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, the only place in the United States where they can be found. December 24, 2024.
Mike Plagens has been visiting Organ Pipe Cactus for almost 50 years, studying its inhabitants as an independent researcher. “When you first go, it may seem desolate," Plagens said, “but once you’re in the park, you realize there is a huge amount of biodiversity”. Due to its subtropical climate and the Quitobaquito natural spring, Organ Pipe Cactus is a refuge from harsh desert conditions. The area is home to species found nowhere else in the United States, like leafcutter ants and the famous Mexican jumping beans. The park’s namesake, the Organ Pipe Cactus, is also only found there.
“Unique plants give rise to unique insects,” said Plagens. “There’s nothing else like it in Arizona."
Elegant Bush Katydid. July 25, 2024.
As a result of this project, the health of Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument can continue to be evaluated. Collected specimens are being added to ASU’s Natural History Collections, where scientists will identify and preserve them for future research. Meeds, the project lead, uploads his photos to a website called iNaturalist, a free-to-use platform where anyone can upload pictures of plants and animals for identification. Citizen scientists and professional researchers alike can contribute to knowledge of Organ Pipe Cactus’ insects, plants, and animals.
Walking Stick. September 19, 2024.
This study produced over six thousand photo observations, most of them insects. Multiple new species to the park were recorded, expanding on the previous survey done in the 1980s. Counting common species is also useful, as changes in their numbers are good indicators of the park’s condition. By comparing data collected in this project to past and future studies, the researchers can inform the park of potential invasive species and effects of climate change.
To engage the public’s interest, the researchers will bring their discoveries back to Organ Pipe. The team is developing educational materials for the National Park Service, including a brochure and a display case showcasing some of Organ Pipe Cactus’ most fascinating insects. These resources will help visitors see the desert in a new way, alive with movement and life on the smallest scale.
Alia Starman is a PhD student in biomedical engineering at the University of Arizona, focusing on cancer research. She began writing articles about intriguing projects like this one through the science journalism class taught by Dr. Susan Swanberg, JOUR 572. Alia is always looking to expand her skills in science communication, eventually hoping to share her own research in impactful ways.
