2026-05-07 11:06 UTC
#Mutualism in disguise: #CarnivorousPlants and wasps blur the line between friend and food https://phys.org/news/2026-05-carnivorous-wasps-blur-line-friend.html paper: https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecy.70395
"the #PitcherPlants get a boost in nitrogen by consuming a wasp every now and again, and the #wasps get a stable food source in the form of nutrient-rich nectar. By forgoing the immediate reward of capturing many #insects, these #plants may be ensuring a stable population of prey for the future."
Replies (2)
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@b_age@troet.cafe 2026-05-07 11:07
@animalculum@scholar.social that's farming :D
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@chillicampari@layer8.space 2026-05-07 11:42
@animalculum@scholar.social yep! The bees and wasps around my area are generally really skilled at navigating the pitchers so they can get the most nectar possible without falling in. They can also be retrieved with a chopstick or kebab skewer to climb back out. The nectar is really nutritious and one of the best sources of quick energy.