Distinctions in Pitcher Morphology and Prey Capture of the Okefenokee Variety within the Carnivorous Plant SpeciesSarracenia minor

Abstract

Abstract Morphological differences in trapping mechanisms of carnivorous plants may be a response to selection pressure to reduce competition among species and even conspecifics. However, few studies have investigated whether variation in plant morphology is related to prey capture. Here, we measured height, peristome width, and outer-trichome density in pitchers of Sarracenia minor (Hooded Pitcher Plant) and its variety, S. minor var. okefenokeensis (S. m. var. okefenokeensis). In addition, we compared arthropod-prey contents of pitchers between the typical short form and the tall Okefenokee variety and across seasons and sampling locations. Similar to findings in previous studies, we found that S. minor was an ant specialist with no influence of season or location. In contrast, S. m. var. okefenokeensis had a more generalist diet, and prey content varied across season and location. Pitchers of S. m. var. okefenokeensis were also significantly larger in height and peristome width with fewer outer trichom...