Pitcher
plants are insectivorous, which means they eat insects. All species of pitcher
plants have watertight tanks which collect water. These watertight containers
act as traps for insects and other small creatures. The animals which are
attracted to the pitcher's container drown in the watertight body of the plant.
The pitcher plant digests the insects using a powerful enzyme which is secreted
by the plant. Because there is so much detritus (dead stuff) in the tank of the
plant, which creates a lot of organically rich compounds (nutrients), many other
aquatic animals are able to live happily in the tank of the pitcher. Scientists
have noted that all pitcher plants have an amazing array of animals living
inside of them. Pitcher plants are found in Madagascar, New Caledonia, China,
Australia, New Guinea, and Sumatra. Pitcher plants can be found in a number of
different habitats (Kitching pages 21-25). For example, in humid tropical places, in lowland
rainforests, and in bogs. Click here to learn more about the fauna (animals) in
pitcher plants.