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    A hair-trigger existence – the extreme peril of feasting on Venus flytrap nectar

    One of the most deceptive members of the plant kingdom, the Venus flytrap lures insects and arachnids onto its leaves with the promise of sweet nectar, only to snap shut, trapping its unsuspecting prey once its motion-sensing hairs are triggered. This harrowing extract from BBC’s ‘Life Story’, featuring hungry flies getting caught in the plants’ clutches, shows that even in the absence of brains, life can be startlingly cunning.

    Video by BBC’s ‘Life Story’

    Narrator: David Attenborough

    5 April 2016
    Close-up of a carnivorous plant with red-tipped sticky hairs trapping a tiny insect, against a green blurred background.

    videoBiology

    Cape sundews move, react and attack in a way that seems more animal than plant

    4 minutes

    A dark cave ceiling illuminated by numerous glowing blue lights, resembling a starry night sky.

    videoBiology

    Glow worms mimic stars, creating a stunning faux night sky in a New Zealand cave

    4 minutes

    Close-up photo of a giant leaf insect camouflaged as green leaves with brown edges perched on a plant, blending with the surroundings.

    videoEvolution

    When is a leaf not a leaf? When it’s got six legs and a face

    4 minutes

    A small red and black insect with raised legs standing on a green leaf, green blurry background.

    videoBiology

    Are the kung fu skills of a newborn orchid mantis a match for a jumping spider?

    4 minutes

    A green origami insect on a dark green leaf with a red flower and a vibrant green-and-yellow background with shadowy leaves.

    videoBiology

    Coded vibrations and signal jamming – the secret language of the treehoppers

    5 minutes

    A cricket with a parasitic worm emerging from its body, taken on a light background, within a transparent container.

    videoBiology

    Mind control and zombification do exist. Just look at these crickets

    5 minutes

    Macro photo of a red ant’s face showing its mandibles and antennae. The background is blurred to focus on the ant’s detailed features.

    videoEvolution

    Incredible footage captures the ants that transform other species into loyal servants

    5 minutes

    An insect with long legs and wings stands on a white surface against a blue background.

    videoBiology

    How insects become airborne, slowed down to a speed the human eye can appreciate

    8 minutes

    A black and white photo of an ant carrying a large, round object with a fly perched on top against a plain background.

    videoBiology

    Feet of strength! Spotlight on the amazing agility of houseflies

    3 minutes