Forage cactus is an important fodder resource for livestock in semiarid region. Understanding how morphological and productive variability and susceptibility to cochineal among cactus clones is key to select clones that are best adapted to each region. This research hypothesized that morphological and productive characteristics of forage cactus clones, as well as their susceptibility to cochineal attacks, vary significantly among genotypes and environmental conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate morphological and productive characteristics and the presence of cochineal (Dactylopius opuntiae and Diaspis echinocacti) in six forage cactus clones in two semiarid regions, during 2 yr. The studied six clones were: F21, IPA-Sertania and Miuda (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm-Dyck), IPA-20 [Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill.], F8 (Opuntia atropes Rose), and Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM) [Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw.] in two sites, Arcoverde (Sertao) and Sao Bento do Una (Agreste), Pernambuco, Brazil. The design was randomized complete block with three replications for each site. The clones F8 and Miuda showed greater height when cultivated in Sao Bento do Una (108 and 112 cm) than in Arcoverde (67 and 61 cm). In Sao Bento do Una, clones F21, IPA-Sertania, and Miuda produced more (18, 24, and 16 Mg DM ha(-1) 2 yr) compared with Arcoverde (7, 10, and 8 Mg DM ha(-1)). Clone F8 showed complete resistance to D. opuntiae and D. echinocacti. Clone IPA-20 was most susceptible to D. opuntiae, and OEM was most susceptible to D. echinocacti. Environmental conditions significantly affected cactus productivity. Pest-resistant clones such as F8 are crucial in pest-prone areas. S & atilde;o Bento do Una offers more favorable conditions for forage cactus cultivation. We conclude that the OEM clone is more suitable for cultivation in Arcoverde, whereas the IPA-Sertania clone is better suited for Sao Bento do Una, due to their superior dry matter production, water use efficiency, and survival rates.