Collection: Utricularia

All Utricularia are carnivorous and capture small organisms with their suction traps, called utricles. Terrestrial species tend to have tiny traps and feed on small protozoa and rotifers. Aquatic species have larger traps and feed on Daphnia, nematodes and small crustaceans. Despite their small size, the traps are extremely sophisticated. When prey touches the hairs attached to the "door" of the trap, the trap opens and sucks in the prey and the surrounding water. Once the trap is full of water, the door closes.