51³Ô¹ÏÍø

Gnat trapped in sundew. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a gnat trapped on a leaf of a sundew (Drosera). Sundew ensnares its prey by means of tentacles topped with globular sticky glands. Glue strands simultaneously attract and hold the insect fast. Subsequent struggle stimulates the tentacles, which slowly move in, entangling the insect. Enzymes are secreted to digest the insect's body. This mechanism has evolved to supplement the diet of the sundew, which grows in mineral-deficient environments such as uplands and bogs. Magnification: x30 when printed 10cm wide