To date, scientists have yet to explain why these plant species engage in hunting insects, and even small mammals like mice, for their survival food.
The process of carnivorous plants trapping and digesting prey.
Not only do these carnivorous plants appear in science fiction films, but they are also quite terrifying in the natural world, from their shapes to the way they hunt insects for food.
Botanists around the globe have documented the moments when two species, pitcher plants (scientific name: Nepenthes) and Venus flytraps, captured insects and mice for sustenance, leaving many social media viewers feeling daunted by these plants.
Pitсher plant digesting a mouse. (Photo: CPUK).
A team of experts has sought to understand why these plants resort to carnivory rather than deriving nutrients from the soil like most other plants.
One hypothesis proposed by scientists is that the mineral-deficient soil in certain regions where these plants thrive, such as the highland rainforests of Borneo, Malaysia, has forced them to evolve into carnivorous species.
The pitcher plant resembles a teapot or a small vase, surrounded by numerous tendrils that release a delightful fragrance to attract insects. It also serves as a platform for prey to grip onto before falling into the “pitcher” below.
Inside the pitcher, the plant produces and stores a type of liquid that digests the prey that falls in. Some species can also close their leaves to trap the prey, preventing its escape.
Venus flytrap capturing prey. (Photo: New Scientist).
Notably, the Venus flytrap has a mouth-like shape with long “teeth.” To capture prey, it opens its two lobes, releasing a sweet scent that draws insects inside, where it quickly snaps shut, digesting them.
Typically, the Venus flytrap digests its prey within about a week before reopening to welcome new victims.
