Stereomicroscope photograph of a muscid fly trapped by a leaf of the insectivorous Cape sundew, Drosera capensis. The sundew ensares its victims by me

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Stereomicroscope photograph of a muscid fly trapped by a leaf of the insectivorous Cape sundew, Drosera capensis. The sundew ensares its victims by means of tentacles capped by sticky glands (red structures) which simultaneously attract and capture the insect as it forages for food. Any subsequent struggle stimulates the tentacles, which slowly move in, further entangling the prey. Enzymes are secreted which digest the insect. This mechanism has evolved to supplement the diet of the sundew, which grows in mineral deficient environments such as uplands and bogs. Nitrogen in particular is obtained from the insect. Magnification: at 35mm size.

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Size: 3484px × 5121px
Photo credit: © DR JEREMY BURGESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: botany, capensis, carnivorous, drosera, fly, insectivorous, leaf, muscidae, nature, plant, plants, sundew, trapped