Death Traps

Day 334: The Door Wardens are hard at work. As I was taking this photo of Sarracenia rubra, a Bald-Faced Hornet landed on the uppermost tip of another trap out of frame and began edging toward the depths of the pitcher, lured by the odor of Sarracenia's previous victims. If you look closely at the photo, you may be able to discern the fine downward-pointing hairs which are this carnivore's secret of success. The hornet was compelled to continue on a descending path by their angle and in very short order, had passed the point of no return from which it could not fly free. There, it will be digested by enzymes in the liquid in the bottom of the trap, providing the plant with a nutritious meal.

Odd as it may seem, this Sarracenia as well as some others are hardy in our northern climate. Mine live in saucers of water on the back porch and will be left out until nighttime temperatures drop to the mid-twenties. This Sarracenia has survived in my care for a number of years now, and has so abundantly filled its pot that I will need to divide it next spring, likewise a second species called "Carolina Yellowjacket." Although they don't do a perfect job of keeping my porch mosquito-free, they certainly put a dent in the population.