| Abstract: | Abstract Sympatrically growing species of Drosera were examined, including rosette forms, climbers and upright, self-supporting species, in southwestern Australia, to see whether the height above ground of the capturing leaves influenced the kinds of prey caught. The leaves examined for invertebrate prey remains were all collected at the same time and the results thus represent a snapshot of the prey situation. Although the number of fully opened, active leaves and leaf size among species varied 40-fold and 22-fold, respectively, total catch per unit leaf area was relatively constant, regardless of growth form. Growth form was strongly correlated with the kinds of prey caught. Prostrate species caught mainly walking, non-aerial prey, while self-supporting and climbing species caught predominantly aerial prey. |
