Fly caught by a sundew plant

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Fly caught by a sundew plant

False-colour scanning electron micrograph of the leaf of a Cape sundew, Drosera capensis, showing a fly (family Psilidae) which has fallen victim to the insectivorous appetite of the plant. The sundew ensnares its victim by means of tentacles capped by globular sticky glands (red), which simultaneously attract the insect to the plant & hold it fast. The flys struggles stimulate the tentacles, which slowly close in & clasp the prey. Enzymes are secreted to digest it. This mechanism has evolved to supplement the diet of the sundew, which grows in mineral-deficient uplands & bogs. Nitrogen in particular is obtained. Magnification: x10 at 6x4.5cm size. Reference: MICROCOSMOS, figure 4.19, page 76

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Media ID 6290995

© DR JEREMY BURGESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Carnivorous Plant Carnivorous Plants Drosera Capensis Sun Dew Insectivorous Plant

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the intricate and deadly relationship between a Cape sundew plant, Drosera capensis, and its unsuspecting prey. In this false-colour scanning electron micrograph, we witness the moment a fly from the Psilidae family becomes ensnared by the carnivorous appetite of the sundew. The leaf of the sundew is adorned with tentacles that are capped by globular sticky glands in striking red hues. These glands serve a dual purpose: they attract insects to the plant while simultaneously holding them fast. As the unfortunate fly struggles against its sticky trap, it unknowingly stimulates the surrounding tentacles which slowly close in on their prey. To supplement its diet in mineral-deficient uplands and bogs, where it thrives, this remarkable plant has evolved an ingenious mechanism for obtaining nitrogen-rich sustenance. Once captured, enzymes are secreted by the sundew to digest its captive insect meal. At a magnification of x10 on a 6x4.5cm size scale, every detail of this fascinating interaction is brought into sharp focus. This image serves as a testament to nature's diversity and ingenuity - showcasing how even seemingly delicate plants can employ ruthless tactics to survive and thrive in challenging environments. Reference: MICROCOSMOS, figure 4.19, page 76 | Image courtesy of Science Photo Library

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