I’m a great fan of fantasy movies and I adore those magnificent landscapes where magic creatures live. And I’ve always wished I could see something like this with my own eyes in real life. I could have never dreamed that all these places are real, but they are!

Check the “fairy tale meadows” beautiful photo collection from all around the world below and you’ll know that magic starts right here. It’s all around us. Let your imagination fly into the fields, smell the freedom, play with the wind, enjoy the sunlight and find true overwhelming happiness.

Photo by Lens?cap

Photo by Wavy1

Photo by nickpix2010

Photo by Pictoscribe

Photo by FrankBonilla.tv

Photo by dj @ oxherder arts

Photo by epicnom

Photo by James Jordan

Photo by L.Brumm Photography and Design

Photo by Al_HikesAZ

Photo by Mike Hornblade

Photo by OneEighteen

Photo by satosphere

Photo by Dru!

Photo by neilalderney123

Photo by dj @ oxherder arts

Photo by L.Brumm Photography and Design

Photo by Stuck in Customs

Photo by g.bremer

Photo by Bruno Monginoux / landscape-photo.net

Photo by Canadian Veggie

Photo by FrankBonilla.tv

Photo by Peter Nijenhuis

Photo by Ed Yourdon

Photo by Blackskull

Photo by dordirk

Photo by tpurk

Photo by shjoity

Photo by howardignatius

Photo by maistora

Photo by orkybash

Photo by Vurnman

Photo by brewbooks

Photo by lakewentworth

Photo by DCSL

Photo by DCSL

Autumn is often described as dull and rainy. Sometimes we take it for granted. We forget that fall can be just as beautiful as spring and there’s no other season in the year when we can see such a variety of colors. Hurrying to our offices and supermarkets and homes, we often do not notice what’s around us, especially when it gets darker earlier in the evenings. This contributes to us missing out on the splendor of the season. So we project those dull and dreary feelings we have on autumn. I devote this beautiful photo collection to all those who have missed too many beautiful autumn moments and I hope it will brighten your rainy day wherever in the world you are.

Photo by parl

Photo by capn madd matt

Photo by Denis Collette…!!!

Photo by Pink Sherbet Photography

Photo by RunnerJenny

Photo by epicnom

Photo by rene j

Photo by Two Ladies & Two Cats

Photo by paul (dex)

Photo by dktrpepr

Photo by James Jordan

Photo by kisses are a better fate than wisdom

Photo by Brenda Anderson

Photo by Tom Olliver

Photo by BURИBLUE

Photo by James Jordan

Photo by cwalker71

Photo by *katz

Photo by Idle Type

Photo by shadarington

Photo by “KIUKO”

Photo by * starrynight1

Photo by photographer padawan *(xava du)

Photo by Luke Andrew Scowen Photography (2009)

Photo by vns2009

Photo by 96dpi

Photo by Indy Kethdy

Photo by bitzi☂

Photo by jmtimages

Photo by kanelstrand

Have you ever been startled by a moving shadow? Shadows can make our minds play tricks on us, as though they have lives of their own. They’ve inspired their share of frights. Now let them inspire your imagination with this collection of shadow and silhouette photography.

Photo by ashe-villain

Photo by jronaldlee

Photo by ehoyer

Photo by Sister72

Photo by Garry – www.visionandimagination.com

Photo by lecercle

Photo by St0rmz

Photo by Dominic’s pics

Photo by tanakawho

Photo by thekeithhall

Photo by wonderferret

Photo by Koonisutra

Photo by onesevenone

Photo by Johan Larsson

Photo by Tolka Rover

Photo by leosagnotti

Photo by entropy

Photo by zen

Photo by callmeoblomov

Photo by jenny downing

Photo by Vainsang

Photo by * starrynight1

Photo by Krug6

Photo by Storm Crypt

Photo by B Tal

Photo by momono

Photo by Lenny Montana

Photo by Dru!

Photo by Márcio Cabral de Moura

Photo by on1stsite not happy with new flickr

Photo by AF-Photography

Photo by Guerito

Photo by Automania

Photo by *Brunna Peretti Loureiro*

Photo by jimmedia

Photo by Kevin H.

Photo by causalien

Photo by hapal

Photo by ms4jah

Photo by Aesum

Photo by Bob.Fornal

Photo by Hamed Parham

Photo by jankie

Photo by andrew.deci

Photo by andywon

Sometimes black and white photos are the most colorful photographs we’ll ever see. They can paint a picture with mood and ambiance. They can turn our attention to subtle things like a look on a face. Sometimes it’s the absence of color and realizing what’s not there that makes us truly see what is.

Photo by Raw Herring

Photo by Matlock-Photo

Photo by heat_fan1

Photo by Maxime Guilbot

Photo by Vanessa Pike-Russell

Photo by riotcitygirl

Photo by lucam

Photo by damo1977

Photo by kristofabrath

Photo by Dshalock® the Libertarian Emperor of America

Photo by Rob Shenk

Photo by Watchcaddy

Photo by @simonhucko

Photo by edwardkimuk

Photo by neropercaso

Photo by Hadleygrass is asparagus

Photo by Alberto_F.

Photo by Lawrence Whittemore

Photo by { JHGagle | Photo }

Photo by Ryan McD

Photo by Alaskan Dude

Photo by onkel_wart

Photo by midlander1231

Photo by Raw Herring

Photo by gato-gato-gato

Photo by Cassey

Photo by Zach Bonnell

Photo by Matthew Stinson

Photo by platformorange


Photo by walknboston

Photo by Zach Bonnell

Photo by OpenSkyMedia

Photo by doortoriver

Photo by nocklebeast

Photo by british.chris

Photo by digitalART2

Photo by flickrich

Photo by imjustcreative

Photo by Ninja M.

Photo by jon_a_ross

Photo by mush2274

Photo by joshjanssen

Photo by Scott M Duncan

Photo by monkeyc.net

Photo by apdk

Photo by Paolo Camera

Photo by rvaphotodude

Photo by jans canon

Photo by etrusia_uk

Photo by pj_in_oz

Photo by Bekah Stargazing

Photo by jfinnirwin

Photo by alex the greek

Photo by etrusia_uk

Photo by daniel doman

Photo by Alaskan Dude

Photo by Adam NFK Smith

Photo by Bill Gracey

Photo by blog.jmc.bz

Photo by dixie_law

Photo by Jon McGovern

Photo by monkeyc.net

Photo by Paolo Camera

Photo by Beadmobile

Photo by Werner Kunz (werkunz1)

Photo by c@rljones

Photo by dogwatcher

AP Photo/Saleem Raza

The UN has called it one of the worst natural disasters in history. Less than two months ago Pakistan fell apart, literally. By the end of July 2010, Pakistan was declared a state of emergency as heavy monsoon rains covered most of the country including the regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan.

People were able to evacuate but by estimated 1,600 people have died as a result of the flooding and over 6 million people are estimated to be homeless according to Reuters. This is by far the biggest devastation Pakistan and the world has ever seen.

As the floods began to get worse some Pakistani’s remained behind to protect their homes from the looters who may appear after the floods subsided. They watched as neck deep waters destroyed everything around them and took away their homes. A few food vouchers were given out to those survivors who had remained behind to protect their homes. Without very much food available the vouches proved to be useless.

“We have nothing to eat, we just sit here and wait, sometimes we get food and sometimes we do not. It’s a small amount, a small bag. We are sitting under the hot sun.” – Reuters (YouTube)

Those who did leave are just now beginning to make their way back to their homes to discover what, if any, pieces of their homes are left. Many are traveling home by foot, as they have no other mode of transportation around the waters that remain. The US has helped by providing temporary bridges to help travelers get to their destinations.

Devastation is continuing as they are beginning to return home and find that flood waters have wiped out their homes completely. Some of those who are returning are being held at gunpoint by those who stayed behind as they are try to protect what is left of their possessions. Instead of working together to begin temporarily rebuilding, people are beginning to turn against each other.

With mud houses and homes being destroyed all over the county, many have turned to the Pakistani government for help, but found very little response since the initial flooding began. For the most part the government has not been seen and Pakistanis are relying on private relief agencies for help. Between both the government and private relief agencies only 5 percent of the help that was required had been provided as of the end of July.

Many Pakistani soldiers were involved during the initial two weeks of flooding as they rescued those who were trapped by helicopters, pulling them out to safety. Yet, now that the flood waters have started to go down, the government has not sent help for those who have lost their homes or are looking for simple things such as water clean enough to drink.

The aid is very different than what had been sent to Haiti after the earthquake on January 12, 2010. With many groups still focusing on Haiti, some say that Pakistan hasn’t received nearly the amount of help it needs

Pakistan Turned to Outside Help

A number of smaller areas in Northern Pakistan have received aid packages from Islamic militant activists, yet not nearly enough to cover all of the areas that have been affected. The US has sent aid in the forms of food distribution in early August to some areas that were still waiting for relief. Food was sent in by boat and helicopter to reach those in need. The temporary bridges that were built not only are helping Pakistanis return to their homes, yet they are also helping relief efforts as other countries and private organizations send in help.

The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon initially requested $460 million to help with emergency relief. As of mid-August only 50% of the $460 million had been received. The additional 50% is still needed to help prevent some of the future problems in Pakistan as the flood cleanup begins.

The immediate concern was the number of those who were killed by the initial floods as well as the number of families who remain homeless. Many are now concerned that with the amount of damage done and lack of food and drinking water, diseases will spread quickly killing more than the initial 1,600 people. Until families are able to have access to clean drinking water as well as a chance to rebuild their homes the concerns will remain.

As many look for dry land to build at minimum a temporary home, the reality of the crop damage hits as well. According to Nasir Cheema, president of Pakistan’s Chamber of Agriculture, production of rice, sugarcane and corn may be cut between 10 and 15 percent affecting more than just those living in Pakistan.

The Pakistani farmers no longer have a source of income, and the people of Pakistan have lost a major food supply. It could take years to rebuild the farms and crops that were being grown and exported. Those who relied on the exported crops will also begin to feel the effects as the exports are delayed.

How Can You Help?

AP Photo

Websites such as Save the Children are taking donations to send money over to Pakistan. Donations are being matched up to $100,000. Money will go to families with children to help aid them in gaining access to clean water and food.

Hillary Clinton has also announced a campaign for Americans to text SWAT to the number 50555 to donate $10 per SMS message. This will go to the UN High Commissioner for providing items in need such as tents, food, clean water, and medicine.

DIRJournal.com is offering up 20% off as well as two free links if you donate to the flood victims. Sign up for DIRJournal.com in the next 15 days and 25% of your cost will be donated to help those in need.

2010 has been a year full of natural disasters around the world. With the monsoon rains catching the people of Pakistan off guard the floods have devastated the country. There is not an end in sight to rebuilding for all of those who have lost their homes. For now the simple things such as clean water to drink and food to eat are the first steps to starting fresh after the floods.

Credit: BigStockPhoto.com

Who needs natural disasters when we as human beings are so capable and talented at making our own — the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico for example? Yet Mother Nature rarely cuts us any slack. She buries us in mudslides, submerges us in floods, and pummels us with hurricanes, tsunamis, and earthquakes.

Mother Nature has taken quite a toll on us over the years, leading to countless deaths. And yet we seem to know so little about her, or how to predict these disasters accurately enough to save all of the lives lost. At the same time, we have no problem throwing more money and resources into things like war. So today I want to look at those two things, death tolls, and why maybe Mother Nature deserves a little more of our attention.

NOTES

Before I get into the topic area, I want to make a few things clear up front:

• I am personally based in the U.S., so yes, some of the following information will be coming from a U.S. perspective. You’re all fully capable of doing additional research to find more statistics related to your home countries, and I encourage you to do so. But I’m only using examples here — not attempting to come up with an unknowable cumulative total. So not every disaster you know of, even if you consider it a big one, will be included here. The same goes for military conflicts.
• My political views and opinions on the War on Terrorism are my own. They will not be shared here, and are completely irrelevant in the context of this piece. This article is not written to support any military conflict, and it is not intended to say any military should pull out of any current conflict either. We’re all welcome to our own opinions on that.
• The purpose of this article is to explore the need for more resources in the sciences that can predict devastating natural disasters like earthquakes, eruptions, and major storms before they happen. War-related death tolls are simply being used for comparison purposes to illustrate the seriousness of addressing these issues so governments worldwide can safely evacuate more civilians before disasters strike.

Now that we’re clear on that, let’s get to some numbers.

Death Tolls

9/11 World Trade Center Attack (Credit: Wikipedia)

Let me start with a relatively small example or two from the U.S. I call it “small” in the sense of death tolls in the grand scheme of things, but the events of September 11, 2001 are hardly “small” in what they ultimately led to. However, during that terrorist attack, it’s reported that approximately 2981 people died in the 9/11 attacks according to the 9/11 Commission Report.

Just a few years later, in 2005, there was to be more loss of life here in my home country — this time by the hand of Mother Nature. That’s when Hurricane Katrina hit, killing 1836 people. [source]

While not as many people were killed by the natural disaster in this case, 1836 lives were lost. That’s a lot. And yet we don’t really hear Americans talking about it as much anymore, unlike the resulting War on Terrorism after 9/11. How is it that we can be outraged enough to launch military operations, but we don’t seem to have an equal outrage pushing us into new advancements in science that could save lives by offering better predictions of when the next disaster might strike New Orleans?

All in all, those are small numbers. But they illustrate my frustration with people’s reactions pretty well. Now let’s take a look at some of the bigger incidents, starting with the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan that occurred after the 9/11 attacks.

Let me be clear though — statistics about death tolls in these incidents can be hotly debated. I’ll link to any sources used, but I do not confirm all stats are accurate. Many are just estimates, and sometimes those estimates fall within rather large ranges. They’re being used for illustration purposes only.

First let’s take a look at Coalition military fatalities in both Afghanistan and Iraq. According to iCasualties.org, Coalition forces suffered 1817 killed in Afghanistan so far and 4721 killed in Iraq.

Credit: BigStockPhoto.com

But Coalition forces certainly weren’t the only ones killed in these conflicts. From the beginning of the war in Iraq through May 20, 2010 it’s been estimated that somewhere between 96,663 and 105,408 Iraqi civilians have lost their lives. [source] Even if we were to account for a fairly large margin of error, that still means military deaths paled in comparison. And in the Afghan operation we’ve seen 6584 Afghan civilians killed from 2006 through October 2009. [source]

And then we have the Iraqi insurgents and Afghan militants to include in our total death toll estimates. It’s been reported that there are 22,313-23-826 Iraqi insurgent deaths [source] and that at least 3800 Afghan militants were killed in 2008 (although some argue that total is much higher). [source]

I have no doubt that some of these estimates are “off,” but they give us rough numbers for comparison purposes. So let’s total them up — years of conflict leading to an estimated 146,156 dead. I’ve seen much higher estimates into 7 figures too, accounting for other violent deaths, but these are the numbers I could find that could be broken down effectively into war-specific groups — they don’t necessarily include any other terrorist attacks that took place.

146+ thousand people dead — that’s a lot any way you cut it. And I think it’s right that issues with that kind of result are such hot button topics for people on both sides. But Mother Nature’s killed far more people in recent years. Let’s just look at two of the biggest natural disasters:

Both the Indonesian tsunami of 2004 and the Haiti earthquake of 2010 occurred while these military conflicts were going on. It’s reported that 230,210 people died in the tsunami and 222,000 people died in the Haiti earthquake. [source] That means just those two natural disasters killed 452,210 people. That doesn’t account for the many other disasters that killed a few hundred to a few thousand people, or more “routine” deaths related to natural instances such as automobile-related deaths during storms.

The Most Imminent Threat? Share Your Thoughts

Is the death toll from the War on Terrorism important? Should it be on our minds? Absolutely. But so should natural disasters — and not just when organizations are looking for hand-outs to help the victims. Let’s turn more of our attention to them now so we can work harder to prepare for them and save lives instead of just trying to clean up the mess afterward. Yes, there is research being done. But do you think it’s enough?

You might also enjoy reading Worst Manmade Ecological Disasters and Failed Prophecies: Major Doomsday Predictions That Did Not Come True!

Share your thought in the comments.

Snow. Storms. Floods. Droughts. The shaking Earth. Erupting volcanoes. Mother Nature sure knows how to throw a tantrum. Despite the deadly nature of, well, nature, these phenomena can actually be beautiful sights to see. Let’s take a look at some amazing photos capturing Mother Nature at her worst — which just happens to occasionally also be at her best.

Photo by nasa1fan/MSFC

Photo by Mullenkedheim

Photo by Verino77

Photo by ZackHughesPhotography

Photo by meltedplastic

Photo by SlickChick170

Photo by United Nations Development Programme

Photo by Stuck in Customs

Photo by crowt59

Photo by bass_nroll

Photo by camil tulcan

Photo by camil tulcan

Photo by hegarty_david

Photo by pizzodisevo

Photo by wstera2

Photo by slworking2

Photo by Sverrir Thor

Photo by DrareG

Photo by Söring

Photo by SkyTruth

Photo by Michael @ NW Lens

Photo by Spencer T.

Photo by Georgie Sharp

Photo by Bert K

Photo by WSDOT

Photo by ruei_ke

Photo by PhillipC

Photo by L’ombre

Photo by shane_lu

Photo by cdw9

Photo by Philipp Hilpert

Photo by dcmaster

Photo by mallix

Photo by maistora

Photo by freefotouk

Oh, when you saw this post title I bet you thought you’d find photos of cute, cuddly puppies and kittens. But no. We’re going to take a look at a different kind of “fluff” in the animal kingdom today. We’ll look at some stunning examples of macro photography that give us a deeper appreciation of the beauty of our world’s insects. Did you realize how many bugs can look cute and cuddly in their own right (well, almost) if you just look hard enough?

Photo by Martin_Heigan

Photo by JR Guillaumin

Photo by Roberto F.

Photo by -RobW-

Photo by giaonguyen

Photo by MasterTaker

Photo by jsanzb (Poco a poco de regreso)

Photo by backpackphotography

Photo by Samuca°

Photo by Anjiro08

Photo by b_imam77

Photo by Martin_Heigan

Photo by .mushi_king

Photo by .mushi_king

Photo by SlowAndEasy

Photo by ca_heckler

Photo by Lessprit

Photo by Lessprit

Photo by .mushi_king

Photo by _sjg_

Photo by VonShawn

Photo by JR Guillaumin

Photo by Gavatron

Photo by Frupus

Photo by kasi metcalfe

Photo by Iain Tait

Photo by masterjack.roger

Photo by CharlesLam

Photo by CharlesLam

Photo by luc.viatour

As I sit, working in my apartment, I see the beautiful deep blue sky from the window. The spring is gently touching everything outside and I saw the first flowers in bloom yesterday. The earth is still cold but in a week or two it’ll be filled with young tender greenery and soft blooming colors. The strangers in the streets are hiding the smiles but we all feel that wonderful sensation of “spring fever.” See if it spreads when you check out these lovely spring images.

Photo by visuellegedanken

Photo by Steve took it

Photo by countryboy1949

Photo by Kinderash

Photo by Hamed Saber

Photo by cuellar

Photo by dsevilla

Photo by victor_nuno

Photo by spisharam – AWAY

Photo by Robert S. Donovan

Photo by Noël Zia Lee

Photo by EJP Photo

Photo by ..dca..

Photo by spisharam – AWAY

Photo by cuellar

Photo by Vicki’s Nature

Photo by aussiegall

Photo by P.J.M.

Photo by AMERICANVIRUS

Photo by John-Morgan

Photo by JC i Núria

Photo by spisharam – AWAY

Photo by CaptPiper

Photo by morganglines

Photo by cuellar

It’s a fact that girls love flowers. How about getting the woman in your life a flower that is not only beautiful but useful? It might be a nice idea if you are looking for a present. Just imagine how happy she would be if the flower would eat the mosquitoes and spiders she might be afraid of. I definitely would! Today we will talk about carnivorous flowers and plants, what they eat, and how they hunt. Please thumb up, Digg and Reddit, and share with your friends!

Drosera

Drosera (also known as Sundew) is one of the largest genera of carnivorous plants in the world. Both Latin and common names are derived from the appearance which resembles morning dew. There are many Drosera species which are distinguished by various forms and sizes:  Australian Drosera pygmaea is the smallest one with its 5 mm long leaves while the largest Drosera grows up to 60 cm and is known as the King Sundew. Drosera captures and digests insects using its leaves, and then absorbs nutrients from their bodies. The borders and upper surface of the leaves are covered by glaring gluey drops which release a special secretion when the insect gets into the trap. The plant’s tentacles produce a glue-like substance which contains alkaloid Coniine and causes paralytic reactions in prey. Sundews are able to move and curve their tentacles in order to maximize their contact with prey — so dramatic!

Photo by Roger B.

Photo by –Tico–

Photo by haesy

Photo by sandy richard

Photo by Peter from Perth

Nepenthes

Nepenthes (known as tropical pitcher plants) are one of the largest carnivorous plants in tropical Asia. Nepenthes belong to lianas from which they inherited the ability to climb branches and trunks. Nepenthes got their name from the mythical drug Nepenthe in 1787. Another name for the plant is “Monkey Cup” which is derived from the fact that monkeys have been noticed drinking rainwater from the pitchers. The plants have sword-shaped leaves which extend and form pitcher-like traps. There is a waterproof, slick, waxy cover above the pitcher which attracts prey with its sweet scent. After approaching, prey slide into a lower part of the trap without any chance of escape. The lower part of the pitcher contains a self-produced syrupy fluid which is used to drown the prey. Usually Nepenthes catch insects, but larger species may occasionally get caught (even rats and lizards).

Photo by Eric in SF

Photo by richardsinyem

Photo by brewbooks

Photo by Eric in SF

Photo by richardsinyem

Dionaea muscipula

Dionaea muscipula (aka Venus Flytrap) is a carnivorous plant that catches mostly arachnids and insects. Dionaea have a pair of leaf lobes hinged at the midrib with small hairs on the edges which forms a trap. Dionaea can capture prey very quickly and in a terrifying way. When the insect approaches the leaf and touches one or more hairs repeatedly, the leaves are triggered and the trap is closed. This energy-saving mechanism is activated only when redundant triggering is occurred. It’s observed that lobes can shut within 0.2 seconds. Upon closing, the Dionaea spend around 30 seconds to identify the prey and then start the digestion process that usually takes up to 72 hours. The Venus Flytrap changes in size depending on the season. For instance, in summer the leaves reach their largest sizes and the most vivid color variations to attract insects.

Photo by DrWurm

Photo by petrichor

Photo by Marylise Doctrinal

Photo by rore

Photo by Marylise Doctrinal

Darlingtonia californica

The Darlingtonia californica (also known as the California Pitcher Plant and Cobra Plant) is a carnivorous plant growing in California bogs with cold running water. The Darlingtonia is considered to be rare and is a protected plant species according to the Washington Convention. It is distinguished by bright-colored flowers and mystery-shaped leaves with a sweet-scented sap which attracts innocuous insects. Gracefully curved leaves of the Darlingtonia resemble the aggressive and ready-to-action standing position of a cobra. Attracted by the internal smell, prey get into traps and drown inside the pitcher. Unlike other pitcher-like plants, the Darlingtonia doesn’t produce digestive enzymes and, instead, contains symbiotic bacteria which handle nutrient absorption.

Photo by scott361

Photo by jmnz

Photo by badthings

Photo by Swamibu

Photo by Chris D 2006

Heliamphora

The Heliamphora (of which the scientific translation means “marsh pitcher plant”) is a carnivorous plant genre with elegant rosette-like tubular leaves. It grows in the rainforest mountains of Guyana and Venezuela. The stems of some species of Heliamphora rise to more than 120 cm and are branched and slightly shrubby. Just like the Darlingtonia the Heliamphora they depend on bacteria to provide the appropriate enzymes in digesting their prey. The tubular-shaped leaves are filled with rainwater and are equipped with slick walls which make the traps for insects impossible to escape from. The Heliamphora let the food rot in their traps before consuming the decomposed molecules as they are unable to secrete the digestive juices to perform digestion.

Photo by cpbotanist

Photo by DrWurm

Photo by DrWurm

Photo by Don Coyote

Photo by avialle

Butterwort

The Butterwort is a carnivorous plant found in Eurasia and North America. Like others it captures moths, flies, gnats, and other flying insects as its prey. The Butterwort plant derived its name from its genre’s name – Pinguicula – which translates from Latin as “fat.” The temperate Butterworts grow rosette leaves and flowers from spring to summer with spectacular blooms of white, yellow or purple. These rosette leaves attract insects by their conspicuously glistering surface, and keep them with their self-produced fatty secretions until death. An interesting fact is that Butterworts pass through a cycle — from carnivorous to non-carnivorous rosette leaves depending on the season.

Photo by Mat.Tauriello

Photo by cotinis

Photo by pj2008

Photo by Gerard Pie i Valls

Photo by lezioni di stile

Drosophyllum

Drosophyllum is a carnivorous plant genre native to the Mediterranean region. Unlike other carnivorous plants it seeks dry and alkaline soils. Drosophyllum is often mistakenly recognized as Sundew, which is indeed is closely relative. Unlike Drosera, the Drosophyllum doesn’t have the ability to curve its leaves to get in contact with prey as easily. None of the tentacles of Drosophyllum, neither those on the upper nor lower surface of the leaves, are capable of movement when excited. They still capture numerous insects, which serve as nutriment.

Photo from wikipedia.org

Photo from wikipedia.org

Photo by DrWurm

Photo by DrWurm

Photo by Chelo Meneses

Sarracenia

Sarracenia is a part of a pitcher-like carnivorous plant genus found in the eastern part of North America. They inhabit primarily wet or sandy meadows, savannas, swamps, bogs, and fens. Sarracenia attracts its prey with its sweet and nectar-like secretion on the pitcher surface, and its colorful appearance. When the prey gets into the pitcher tube it has no chance to escape the thick and coarse hairs. It drowns in a fluid pool. The digestive process starts immediately by attacking the prey with a toxic coniine poison. Apart from nitrogen, Sarracenia absorbs phosphorus from its prey. Unlike the related plants, the Sarracenia flava is distinguished by its especially unpleasant smell which resembles cat urine.

Photo by Chris_Moody

Photo by listentoreason

Photo by KitLKat

Photo by DrWurm

Photo by urtica