Bladderworts

Bladderworts are aquatic or terrestrial carnivorous plants belonging to the genus Utricularia. They capture prey, mainly tiny aquatic creatures like protozoans and insect larvae, using specialized structures called bladder traps. These bladders are small, hollow sacs with a door that creates a vacuum inside. When unsuspecting prey brushes against trigger hairs, the door opens suddenly, and the vacuum sucks the prey into the bladder. The plant then secretes enzymes to digest the captured prey, gaining nutrients, especially nitrogen, which are often scarce in their environment. This adaptation allows bladderworts to thrive in nutrient-poor soils and waters.