Tiny Flowers That Eat Insects

Carnivorous plants and flowers rely on nutrition extracted from insects, arachnids and sometimes small mammals. Contrary to what some may believe, carnivorous plants and flowers are not man-eating flowers. Carnivorous flowers vary in color, texture, variety and size; ranging from very little to quite large. Small carnivorous flowers thrive throughout the world in a variety of conditions.

Aldrovanda Vesiculosa

A small aquatic plant also known as the waterwheel plant, Aldrovanda vesiculosa feeds on tiny invertebrates in a manner like the Venus flytrap. The carnivorous flower traps of the plant appear as whirled, fringelike fronds that move rapidly surrounding a central stalk. These traps encompass passing invertebrates and consume them. The waterwheel plant occurs throughout parts of Europe, Asia and the United states, especially near bogs, rice pads and aquatic reeds.

Brocchinia Reducta

Simply known as B. reducta, this plant is one of the very few carnivorous bromeliad plants on Earth. It thrives in poor quality soils and depends on insects and small invertebrates for sustenance. It resembles a small patch of grass, but in reality the flat foliate blades surround an inner flower reservoir in which B. reducta traps its prey. It's a bright green color with deep red at the base of the plant's stalk, making it an attractive foliage plant. It thrives in several parts of South America.

Dionaea Muscipula

Commonly called the Venus flytrap, Dionaea muscipula is one of the most known-about carnivorous plants. This small curious plant traps insects in its mouthlike trap where tiny barbs puncture and drain the insects of their juices. It's closely related to the waterwheel plant, although it prefers moist soil as opposed to aquatic conditions. The plant appears as a small cluster of tiny insect-eating florets of deep green. The inside of the trap of the flower is deep, crimson red.