Carnivorous Plants

Carnivorous plants are plants that get some or most of their nutrients from trapping and consuming animals, typically insects. Ms. Godwin explained how carnivorous plants "eat" insects and described some carnivorous plants found in Alabama.

Students observed the pitcher plants growing in a bog at the Wehle Nature Center. They then dissected non-protected pitcher plants provided by Ms. Godwin and viewed the contents with magnifiers. They found insects, such as butterflies, bees, and flies in the plants.

Students also had opportunity to examine venus fly traps, sundews and pitcher plants growing in a terrarium. The students will use the terrarium in their classroom for further studies.