Insect caught by Drosera auriculata. Photo: Jeremy RolfeCarnivorous plants are those that derive some or most of their nutrients by trapping and consuming animals such as insects or other arthropods.
There are 16 genera of carnivorous plants found worldwide but New Zealand has only native representatives from two of these - the sundews and bladderworts.
- Drosera (sundews) - seven native species (Drosera arcturi, Drosera auriculata, Drosera binata, Drosera peltata, Drosera pygmaea, Drosera spatulata, Drosera stenopetala and two naturalised (Drosera capensis and Drosera neo-caledonica)
- Utricularia (bladderworts) - three native species (Utricularia australis, Utricularia delicatula and Utricularia dichotoma) and five naturalised (Utricularia gibba, Utricularia arenaria, Utricularia geminiscapa, Utricularia livida and Utricularia sandersonii)
Native carnivorous plants may be found in a variety of habitats such as seepages, peatlands, bogs and lakes. they may also be found on roadsides and on clay banks. They occur throughout New Zealand including the offshore islands.
Utricularia dichotoma subsp. novae-zelandiae. Photo: Mike ThorsenFor more information about carnivorous plants see: