1. butterwort: Butterworts are low herbaceous plants with stalkless leaves that are typically arranged in a whorl near the ground. The leaves are greasy or “buttery” to the touch and are covered with two types of tiny specialized glands: peduncular and sessile. The peduncular glands are each formed of a single-celled stalk topped by several secretory cells. These secrete mucilage that looks like drops of water or nectar to insects and emits an attractive odor to lure prey. The sticky mucilage-covered leaves act like fly paper, trapping any small unfortunate insects that come in contact with it. In some butterwort species, a struggling insect triggers a directional leaf movement known as thigmotropism, in which the leaf margins curl toward the wriggling insect. Not only does this facilitate the flow of more mucilage from other peduncular glands toward the insect, but the rolled edges also help keep the nutrients contained on the leaf surface as the insect is digested. Once the peduncular glands have succeeded in luring and encasing the insect in mucilage, the sessile glands, which lie flat on the leaf surface, begin to release digestive enzymes that act on the insect’s body. The resultant nutrient-rich fluids are absorbed through cuticular holes in the leaf surface, and the leaf unrolls its margins after digestion is complete. In addition to small-bodied insects, butterworts are known to catch and digest windblown pollen as well as insects that have large wing surfaces that become ensnared on the leaves.
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2. Cobra Lily: The cobra lily, or Darlingtonia californica, is a carnivorous plant that lures insects with nectar and traps them in its hooded, tubular leaves, where they are then digested by the plant's secretions and bacteria. Here's a more detailed explanation: The Trap: The cobra lily's leaves are unique, forming a tubular pitcher with a hood-like structure. Luring Insects: The plant secretes nectar, which attracts insects to the pitcher's mouth. Entrapment: The inside of the pitcher has slippery walls and downward-pointing hairs, making it difficult for insects to escape. Digestion: The plant secretes digestive enzymes, and bacteria also play a role in breaking down the captured insects, providing the plant with nutrients. Nutrient Absorption: The plant absorbs the nutrients released by the digestion of the insects. Unique Features: Unlike other pitcher plants, cobra lilies do not trap rainwater, instead regulating the water level inside the pitcher physiologically. False Exits: The curled hood and translucent patches on the hood confuse insects, making it harder for them to find the exit.
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Venus flytrap: Insects are the main source of food for Venus flytraps.
They attract their prey using the reddish lining of their leaves.
On the inside of the leaf surface, there are tiny hairs. When touched, these hairs trigger the leaves to rapidly snap shut on the unsuspecting prey and the interlocking teeth lining the leaf seal the trap shut.
Once trapped, the leaves close tighter to squash the prey and enzymes are released that digest it.
The trap reopens around 10 days later once the insect has been digested.
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Nepenthes Pitcher plants have a pitcher shape leaf covering the mouth. These plants have a pleasant odor that attracts insects. When insects land on the plant's mouth, they become trapped. They are unable to escape.
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Baldderwort A physiological process moves water from the interior to the exterior of the bladders, generating a state of low pressure within the traps. If a small animal triggers the bristles that project from the surface of the door, the trap suddenly opens, and a quick inflow of water sucks the prey inside.
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