Colobopsis schmitzi, synonym Camponotus schmitzi, is a species of ant native to Borneo, [1] which is commonly known as the diving ant, swimming ant or pitcher-plant ant, due to their habit of diving into the digestive fluids of their plant host Nepenthes bicalcarata.

Pitcher plants are carnivorous plants known as pitfall traps—a prey-trapping mechanism featuring a deep cavity filled with digestive liquid. The traps of pitcher plant are considered to be "true" pitcher plants and are formed by specialized leaves. …

Jan 17, 2022 · Pitcher plants consume insects, but should you let it eat ants? Learn what happens when ants fall prey to pitcher plants, and it is good or bad for your plant.

Apr 2, 2025 · Ants enhance the trapping efficiency of pitcher plants by keeping traps clean and hunting mosquito larvae that could infest the plants. Although many worker ants fall into the traps, queens remain unaffected, allowing ant colonies to persist.

ABSTRACT. The relationship between Camponotus sp. ants and the carnivorous pitcher plant, Nepenthes bicalcarata, from Borneo were investigated. The ants nest in the hollow tendrils of the plant, and feed on large prey items caught by the pitchers. These are hauled from the pitcher fluid by the ants and consumed. When large prey items are absent ...

Jan 13, 2015 · Carnivorous pitcher plants exploit social lives of ants as scouts escape and inadvertently lead nest mates to death trap.

Jan 28, 2015 · One recently discovered species “collaborates” with a tiny bat, which uses the elegant, long pitchers as a place to sleep in the daytime. The bats feces and urine provide the plant with sought...

Sep 17, 2023 · Pitcher plants rely on these traps filled with nectar to attract and digest their prey, typically small insects like ants, accumulating necessary nutrients and nitrogen.

In this episode of NOVA’s Gross Science, Anna Rothschild introduces us to the carnivorous fanged pitcher plant (Nepenthes Bicalcarata) that preys on unsuspecting insects, but has a special relationship with one particular species of a ‘diving’ ant that’s endemic to Borneo: Camponotus Schmitzi.

Feb 13, 2025 · Pitcher plants consume various live or dead insects and spiders, including ants, gnats, and flies, and can also benefit from fertilizer pellets; one bug a month suffices. Many pitcher plants emit a smell akin to rotting flesh, attracting insects that feed on decaying matter.