A review of the entomofauna associated with decaying cacti in New World deserts.

This article reviews the entomofauna associated with decaying cacti in New World arid and semiarid deserts, emphasizing the role of cacti as a saproxylic (dead wood-dependent) habitat supporting diverse arthropods. It documents that insects constitute 93% of species found in decayed cacti, predominantly Coleoptera (41.5%) and Diptera (43.8%), with Drosophilidae and Syrphidae being notably studied families due to their ecological roles in decomposition. The review highlights the complex decomposition process of lignified cactus tissues, the interactions among cacti, microorganisms, and insects, and the ecological significance of these microhabitats, particularly in Mexico where research is most extensive. It identifies knowledge gaps regarding the successional dynamics of saproxylic insects, the chemical processes underlying cactus decay, and the potential of decomposed cacti to act as "islands" of soil fertility in xeric environments, calling for further ecological and taxonomic studies.