Diversity of Carnivorous Capture Strategies
Example: Nepenthes, Sarracenia
A passive trap where leaves form a deep pitcher. Prey slips on the slippery peristome and falls into a pool of digestive enzymes.
Example: Dionaea muscipula
An active trap triggered by touch. Rapid cell volume changes cause the lobes to snap shut in less than a second.
Example: Drosera, Pinguicula
Sticky mucilage droplets mimic nectar. Once the insect is stuck, enzymes begin the external digestion process.
Example: Utricularia
A high-speed vacuum trap. When a trigger hair is touched, the bladder door opens and sucks in prey within milliseconds.