Friday, August 08, 2008

A pretty plant ... THAT KILLS!

A pitcher plant on the tundra at New Brunswick. I was looking at some of my old pics and I've always liked this one. The greenery and softness of the pines contrasts with the deceptive vibrancy of the carnivorous plant.

Oh noooo, Mr. Bill, Don't fall into the pitfall trap!

"Pitcher plants are carnivorous plants whose prey-trapping mechanism features a deep cavity filled with liquid known as a pitfall trap. foraging, flying or crawling insects such as flies are attracted to the cavity formed by the cupped leaf, often by visual lures such as anthocyanin pigments, and nectar bribes. The sides of the pitcher are slippery and may be grooved in such a way so as to ensure that the insects cannot climb out. The small bodies of liquid contained within the pitcher traps are called phytotelmata. They drown the insect, and the body of it is gradually dissolved."

That's some pitfall!

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