Native to North America, the purple pitcher plant has distinctive tubular leaves with a hood. Insects are attracted to the opening, and once inside, they become trapped and are broken down by digestive enzymes
Native to North America, the purple pitcher plant has distinctive tubular leaves with a hood. Insects are attracted to the opening, and once inside, they become trapped and are broken down by digestive enzymes
Aquatic or semi-aquatic, bladderworts have small bladder-like structures that create a vacuum. When small aquatic organisms trigger the hairs on the bladder, the trap opens, and water, along with the prey, is sucked in. The bladderwort then digests the captured organisms
Butterworts have broad leaves covered in glandular hairs that secrete a sticky substance. When an insect becomes trapped on the leaves, the plant's enzymes break down the insect, allowing the butterwort to absorb nutrients
Sundews have leaves covered in glandular hairs that produce a sticky substance. When an insect lands on the leaves and gets stuck, the hairs curl around it, and the plant releases digestive enzymes to break down the prey
Pitcher plants come in various species, and they all have modified leaves forming a pitcher-shaped structure. Insects are attracted to the pitcher by nectar, and once inside, they are unable to escape due to slippery surfaces and downward-pointing hairs. Enzymes digest the trapped prey
Perhaps the most well-known carnivorous plant, the Venus Flytrap has specialized leaves with trigger hairs. When an insect touches these hairs, the leaves snap shut, trapping the prey. Digestive enzymes are then released to break down the insect