Huntman's Cup

The leaves of the pitcher plant - a deadly trap for insects.

 

Good video about the pitcher plant.

 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=trWzDlRvv1M

 

 

 

Pitcher plants are carnivorous plants whose prey-trapping mechanism features a deep cavity filled with liquid known as a pitfall trap. Crawling insects such as flies are attracted to the cavity formed by the cupped leaf, often by visual lures such as anthocyanin pigments, and nectar bribes. The sides of the pitcher are slippery and may be grooved in such a way so as to ensure that the insects cannot climb out. The small bodies of liquid contained within the pitcher traps are called phytotelmata. They drown the insect.

 

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitcher_plant

 

These unusual plants have many local names. Among these names are huntsman’s-cup and Indian dipper.

 

2,703 views
9 faves
34 comments
Uploaded on September 15, 2011
Taken on September 15, 2011