Pitcher plants can prey on flies

2 years ago
3.19K

Drawn to the pitcher’s vivid colors and alluring scent,the fly closes in and slurps its nectar.But this pitcher species has an ingredient called coniine in its nectar,a powerful narcotic to insects.As the coniine takes effect,the fly grows sluggish, stumbles, and falls down the funnel into a pool of liquid at the base,where he drowns.Enzymes and bacteria in the liquid slowly break his body down into microscopic particles the pitcher plant can consume through its leaves.Occasionally,larger prey also tumbles into the fatal funnel of the pitcher plant.

Loading comments...