Abstract
Among trapping mechanisms in carnivorous plants, those
termed ‘active’ have especially fascinated scientists since Charles Darwin’s
early works because trap movements are involved. Fast snap-trapping and suction
of prey are two of the most spectacular examples for how these plants actively
catch animals, mainly arthropods, for a substantial nutrient supply. We show
that Drosera glanduligera, a sundew from southern Australia, features a
sophisticated catapult mechanism: Prey animals walking near the edge of the
sundew trigger a touch-sensitive snap-tentacle, which swiftly catapults them
onto adjacent sticky glue-tentacles; the insects are then slowly drawn within
the concave trap leaf by sticky tentacles. This is the first detailed
documentation and analysis of such catapult-flypaper traps in action and
highlights a unique and surprisingly complex mechanical adaptation to carnivory.
journal reference (Open Access): PLoS ONE >>