Population Size and Analysis of Arthropods in Pitcher Plants Native to Robeson County, North Carolina

UNCP Author/Contributor (non-UNCP co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Stephanie A. Singer (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP )
Web Site: http://www.uncp.edu/academics/library

Abstract: The genus Sarracenia, pitcher plants, is composed entirely of carnivorous plants. Due to their microhabitat requirements, it is uncommon to find them locally. Also, their habitats are being alters and destroyed at an alarming rate (Rymal and Folkerts 1982). Pitcher plants, as well as other carnivorous plants, have adapted to mineral-deficient environments by trapping and digesting small animals to obtain certain of their required nutrients. This mechanism enables them to survive in habitats where few other plants can live or compete.I studied the following aspects of the biology of both yellow (Sarracenia flava) and purple (Sarracenia purpurea) pitcher plants: 1. Number of leaves per plant, 2. Number of flowers per plant, 3. Arthropod presence in leaves of purple pitcher plants in relation to leaf position. Purple pitcher plants have significantly more leaves and flowers per plant than yellow pitcher plants. Arthropod presence in peripheral and interior leaves in purple pitcher plants was not significantly different, although non-significant trends were observed. Chironoids, mosquitoes, and "other" arthropods were more common in interior pitchers, while mites and springtails were more common in peripheral pitchers.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 1997
Keywords
Sarracenia, Carnivorous Plants, Robeson County, North Carolina, Habitats, Arthropod,

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