Question
Hello

I noticed that the Nepenthes have two rows of hairs with a smooth spot between them.

Is that a path for the bugs to crawl up?

Is the 'tongue' part of the Darlingtonia the bait for the insects?


Answer
Hi John,

Since Nepenthes seem to catch mostly crawling insects, that has been the speculation among botanists.  Since some Nepenthes have them, and some don't, they are not entirely sure what they do.

The tongue on Darlingtonia is definitely a landing ramp for flying insects.  The tongue has nectar glands pattern towards the opening leading bugs that direction.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com