Top Ten Insect Eating Plants

These plants live get their nutrients from tiny animals (insects) that they prey on. These carnivorous plants are both slow and fast- depending on the family they belong to.

1. Sundews

Sundews are extremely wide-spread and can be found in almost every part of the world. They grow mostly in peat bogs and swamps and are similar to Rainbow plants. Sticky and sugary liquid is present on the tips of their leaves which attract insects. The plant will trap the insect in its tentacles and kill it within 15 minutes.

2. Butterworts

Butterworts grow in moist environments and are usually found in Europe and America. Their leaves have several glands and are sticky which helps the plant to lure and digest the prey. When the insect gets caught and starts to struggle, the leave secrete extra juices because of which the insect is unable to free itself.

3. Bladderworts

Bladderworts belong to the same family as butterworts and are as common as sundews. Their traps are bladder-like and have the capability of consuming water fleas, new tadpoles and fish fry. The trapdoor opens up when an insect brushes against it and extracts the tiny animal, making it impossible for it to leave. The entire process is over in less than 1 second.

4. Waterweel Plant

Waterweel plants belong to the same family as sundews as well. It lives in water and its trap resembles an open book. When the trigger hairs which are found on the inside of this trap come in contact with an insect, the trap snaps shut and locks the animal in. This insect eating plant is extremely fast and takes about 0.01 seconds to catch its prey.

5. The Venus Flytrap

The Venus Flytrap grows mostly in California in bogs. It preys on most insects with the help of its trap which operates with the help of a complex mechanism. The plant will digest its prey within 10 days and is also capable of preying on froglets.

6. Pitcher Plants

Even the Pitcher Plants’ traps are not as sophisticated as some of the other insect eating plants, they are definitely quite spectacular. It is colorful which is why it attracts the prey so well. The fluid produced by the trap is sugary and is so overwhelming that it drowns the insect.

7. Mocassin plant

This is also known as the Western Australian Pitcher Plant and grows mostly in Australia. The pitchers are short and wide.

8. North American Pitcher Plants

These insect eating plants have funnel-like traps. They are found in parts of the United States as well as Canada. The plant secretes a nectar-like liquid which along with its scent attracts the insects. When the insect gets trapped, it gets dizzy and drowns after which it gets digested.

9. Cobra Plant

This plant is also known as the California Pitcher Plant and grows in parts of California. The Cobra Plant is slightly different from the other plants mentioned in this list in the sense that it does not generate digestive enzymes. The plant has a small exit hole which it hides and instead, allows access to certain false exists. The insect exhausts itself and thus, gets trapped.

10. Portuguese Sundew

The Portuguese Sundew grows in Morocco, Spain and Portugal. The insect releases a sweet scent which attracts a number of insects and makes it easier for the plant to prey on them. The leaves secrete mucus which traps the insect and makes it difficult for it to escape.