Carnivorous Catchfly

[FrankenSnyder]

I recently learned about Carnivorous Catchfly (Silene insectivora) listed on the online Jepson eflora while researching other Silene species. Two I photoed in my home area: The weedy European S. galica with pink tinted flowers is sticky on its upper parts to protect flowers. I have witnessed captured insects and assassin bugs scurry along the sticky stems of my local native red flowered S. laciniata. I don’t believe Catchfly is truly carnivorous, but still interesting because I can see how something similar and possibly related could have become Drosophyllum.

Silene nuda

For vascular plants occurring in wildlands or otherwise outside of cultivation in California, the Jepson eFlora contains taxonomic treatments, distribution maps, illustrations, photographs, and identification keys.

ucjeps.berkeley.edu

 

[Sarracenia67]

Silene nuda subsp. insectivora. First published in Silene insectivora L.F.Hend. in Rhodora 32: 24 (1930)

 

[FrankenSnyder]

Thanks @Sarracenia67, I had not seen this description.

 

[FrankenSnyder]

Here is a photo of a test I did. Catchfly Silene galica with a pool of fluid secreted around a food offering (a fruitfly butt).

 

[bluemax]

That is certainly suggestive...