For those who do not get to visit the Sornoran desert in Arizona there is different rain pattern in the western part than further east near Tucson. In Tucson area, more rain arrives during the summer monsoons than in areas west of Phoenix where the rain fall is more equal during summer and winter.
Two years ago there was normal rain fall and the desert looked like this. The ocotillo is full leafed out, the brush is green as is the desert floor.



There was little rain last summer and other than nice rain of just over one inch in Dec. there has been no significant rain.
In Feb. there was a little green and a few flowers.


The majestic saguaro has shallow roots which lets it take immediate advantage of any rain and can store water for for 2-3 years. In March they are still well hydrated from their drink in Dec.

Even the diminutive fish hook cactus is doing OK. Notice there is little green on desert floor.


As the season progressed into April, the dry look has set in. This yucca has started to dry and brown on the tips.


The ocotillo has given up all hope of leaves but valiantly blooms.

The prickly pear also blooms.

TBC

The desert is not lifeless although there are far less insects than usual.
This cute little beetle was walking in circles. I have no idea why.

This fellow is right in his element and not happy to have his rock removed in the bright of day.

Of course I cannot leave out the evidence of tarantulas. This is weathered turret of a dwarf specie.

With the severe drought conditions, I see more of this heavy webbing at top of burrow. I believe it is for climate control.

This last photo shows how harsh and dry the desert is. It is every bit as dry as it looks. The wind blows frequently and rearranges the sand and dust. On days when the temperature has been in the 90's the humidity has been as low as 5 % which sort of makes ones eye balls dry out.


The good news is that as I am typing this, it is RAINING! However the prediction is for about 1/10 inch.
In a few days I will head north to slightly cooler and slightly more humid areas. Ahh 20% humidity will feel great.

Great pics, June!
(Sending a little rain dance for more than 1/10"...)

I love the compare/contrast pictures! Thank you for posting them, June! I wish I was hanging out with you, dried out eyeballs and all!

Did you only see dwarf tarantula burrows?

There is very sparse population of A eutylenum in this area. I see juvies now and then but only one large female in the 3-4 years that I have visited this area. Never seen male. Don't know if they are summer breeders so never see them since I am here in fall or just so few that I never ran across a MM. I do know the juvies move into dwarf burrows but don't know if it is because it is empty and handy or they predate the dwarfs. I doubt the latter as this specie of dwarf is a very aggressive feeder and will take crickets larger than they are. I take the hind legs off the cricket and they will grab a large one and win every time. There are lots of wolf spider type burrows and one true spider that makes a turret but only burrows a few inches deep.
Wish you could see this area. You would love it. Off topic but found a huge Arizona hairy. It is is not shy, comes out at night, of course, and is happy to eat a cricket. Scorps are starting to grow on me.