Plantwatch: The insect-eating alpine plant that proves Darwin was right

The Guardian Environment Wednesday 16 September 2026, 05:00 UTC By Paul Simons 1 min read

Key Points

Study shows Saxifraga candelabrum traps and digests midges – just as the evolutionary biologist predicted back in 1875In 1875, Charles Darwin predicted that Saxifraga candelabrum, a small alpine plant, could eat insects. Its leaves, petals and stems are smothered in tiny, sticky hairs and – just as the evolutionary biologist suspected – the sweet glue on the hairs can lure and trap midges before digesting them with an enzyme.

Study shows Saxifraga candelabrum traps and digests midges – just as the evolutionary biologist predicted back in 1875

In 1875, Charles Darwin predicted that Saxifraga candelabrum, a small alpine plant, could eat insects.

Its leaves, petals and stems are smothered in tiny, sticky hairs and – just as the evolutionary biologist suspected – the sweet glue on the hairs can lure and trap midges before digesting them with an enzyme.

Darwin (PERSON) Charles Darwin (PERSON) Saxifraga (PERSON)

Originally published by The Guardian Environment Read original →

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Plantwatch: The insect-eating alpine plant that proves Darwin was right

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