Nepenthes Hairs and Darlingtonia Tongue: Function Explained

John asks: Do the two hair rows with a smooth gap on Nepenthes pitchers guide crawling insects? Is the Darlingtonia "tongue" an insect lure?

Nepenthes Hairs

Speculation among botanists: since Nepenthes catch mostly crawlers, the hair rows may form a path. But some species lack them, so function isn't certain.

Darlingtonia Tongue

Definitely a landing ramp for flying insects. Nectar glands on the tongue direct bugs toward the pitcher opening.

Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
www.cobraplant.com