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

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...