Older literature it was stated (i.e. the assumption was made) that
Cephalotus follicularis pitchers had nectar glands which attracted the
prey. I have never been able to find anything sticky or sugary on any of
the pitchers; this seems borne out by the evidence that for a long time I
could find nothing attracted to them; most ants would just ignore them
completely. I did find however that carpenter ants are *extremely*
attracted to them and practically try and eat the lip of the pitchers.
I recently found another insect attracted to Cephalotus - some sort of
small (slightly over 1 cm) predatory wasp. This did appear to be
attempting to feed on whatever was on the lip.
Another grower here in the Seattle area has noticed that once the pitchers
have some prey decomposing inside them, insects such as flies that are
attracted to rotting matter start coming in.
So, Cephalotus-growers - I would once again like to hear from anyone else
who has seen insects attracted to these.
Do any entomologists out there know what carpenter ants' main food is?
Is anyone aware of any work done to determine what attractant is at work
in Cephalotus?
Bob Beer