Sarracenia rubra

Sarracenia rubra and most pitcher plants are extremely interesting in regard to interaction with other organisms. Bacteria and yeast are commonly found utilizing the inside of the pitcher as a home. The liquid inside the pitcher houses these organisms and provides a food source as well as protection. The bacteria and yeast are able to obtain nutrients from the pitcher plant’s victims, giving back to the plant by aiding the plant in digestion. 

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Many predatory insects find their meals on Sarracenia rubra. Numerous spiders, frogs, and preying mantises hunt the insects that are attracted to the sweet nectar of the plant. In reward, the plant benefits greatly by the predators feeding on the organisms that harm the pitcher plant, including moths and caterpillars which eat the leaves. The moth, Exyra, commonly lays eggs inside the pitcher plant which provides protection for the eggs. When the eggs hatch the larvae feed on the pitcher walls which causes damage to the plant.    

Venus Flytrap

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