Check Out these Carnivorous Plants that Eat Insects

Carnivorous plants are plants that derive some or most of their nutrients from trapping and consuming animals or protozoans, typically insects and other arthropods. Carnivorous plants still generate some of their energy from photosynthesis.

Some plants actually devour the insects instead of being eaten by them. These carnivorous plants are found in about 700 different species all over the world. As a source of energy, these plants use photosynthetic processes rather than “eating” animals. Instead, their victims are exploited to supply nutrients that, in tough conditions, their roots do not typically meet. The majority of plants that consume meat create digestive enzymes that turn their prey into a filling insect stew.

Source: Google

1. Butterwort

The butterwort is a native of North America, South America, and Central America, claims CNN. Butterworts don’t give off a sweet smell, but instead draw insects that mistake the pearly secretions on their leaves for water. When this happens, the insects become stuck in the sticky goo and are slowly broken down by digestive enzymes.

2. Corkscrew Rush

Unlike other predatory photosynthetic life-forms, this carnivorous plant doesn’t prey on insects. Rather, it consumes minute creatures like protozoans. And instead of luring its prey above ground, it has unique leaves sprouting beneath the ground.

3. The pitcher plant, which can reach heights of more than 4 feet, is the second-largest in the world. To entice rats, insects, and other animals into its trap, it secretes nectar around its mouth. Enzymes and acids in the fluid decompose the drowned victim’s carcass once it has fallen in.

4. Venus fly trap

The Venus flytrap is a carnivorous plant, according to Dailymail, because of the soil. To augment the meager nutrition it receives from its surroundings, the flytrap digests insects. The plant folds its leaf fast, trapping the prey inside, when an animal brushes against one of the trigger hairs on the leaf two times.