Deadly Allure

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Much like flowers, many carnivorous plants utilize ultraviolet light (UV) reflectance patterns to lure insects. Although an abundant component of sunlight, UV is invisible to humans but it is highly conspicuous to the insect eye. Here at nightfall, a UV torch reveals a normally hidden fluorescence of blue light on the pitchers of Nepenthes mirabilis. Although this fluorescence itself may not be strong enough in the day to attract insects, its presence shows patterns in UV reflectance which may guide prey to the nectar-rich portions of the pitcher, such as the peristome and underside of the lid. Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo).

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© Chien C. Lee