osmosis Posted July 12, 2008 Report Share Posted July 12, 2008 I have not seen it referred to, but I have just read an article in 'New Scientist' showing the trapping mechanisms of Nepenthes are more advanced than previously supposed. A few conclusions Dry peristomes are not slippery, but the the plant has mechanisms of attracting and evenly distributing water over the peristome, after which insects 'aquaplane' straight into the pitcher. It is capable of varying this during the day by exuding hygroscopic nectar, so that it is wet at particular times of day. This variance is supposed to increase catch rates as scout insects may survive to call other foragers to the source The pitcher fluid is not narcotic, or with a wetting agent, or with a low surface tension, to stop escape. It is apparently a highly complex fluid which is 'viscoelastic' behaving like it conatins small elastic ropes which tighten if anything moves quickly in them, kind of gripping and solidifying around the prey and dragging it in as they thrash about. This viscoelastic property work just as efficiently when the pitcher fluid is diluted to 5% So - not just simple pitfalls full of water. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Green Posted July 12, 2008 Report Share Posted July 12, 2008 http://www.cpukforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=27335 Old news I'm afraid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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