Video: Carnivorous Pitcher Plant Uses Rain Drops and Vibrating Lid to Catch Insects
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Researchers have discovered the pitcher plant (Nepenthes gracilis) has another trick to catch insects. While it already has a slippery, sticky surface that catches unsuspecting bugs who land on the plant, it also uses another tactic when it rains. During rain, the plant's broad cover vibrates and catapults any insect seeking shelter under the broad lid into the large fluid-filled pitcher. The lid gets hit by a raindrop, and shakes off insects underneath just like a swimming pool springboard. Insects, thinking the plant is a safe and dry area from the storm, fall in to the trap.
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