Insectivorous plants, also known as carnivorous plants, are unique species that obtain nutrients by trapping and digesting insects. They typically grow in nutrient-poor environments, such as bogs and wetlands, where the soil lacks essential minerals. These plants have evolved specialized structures, like pitcher plants and Venus flytraps, to attract, capture, and digest their prey.
The trapping mechanisms of insectivorous plants vary widely. For example, sundews use sticky glandular hairs to ensnare insects, while bladderworts employ small bladders that create a vacuum to trap tiny aquatic creatures. These adaptations allow them to thrive in challenging habitats where traditional nutrient uptake is limited.