Sarracenia purpurea (Sarraceniaceae) - This bog-dwelling plant is carnivorous. The pitcher plant is given credit with curing small-pox among the Native Americans during colonial times. Hence another name for it is "small-pox plant". The odd-looking flowers bloom in early summer. (Photographed in PA)


Apparently insects, particularly certain flies, find the red veining of the plant attractive. The top of the Pitcher plant has downward pointing bristles to make it difficult to leave once an insect has landed. Further down the insides of the pitcher become very smooth, and the plant exudes a sticky nectar. Eventually the insect falls into the water held in the "pitcher", where it drowns. Anerobic bacteria live in the water and help the plant digest the bugs that fall in.
Several insects have found ways around the plant's dangers, and manage to live, beed, or feed within it.

The "Tannersville Bog Links" page has a list of books with lots more information on these (and other) plants