Even though carnivorous plants (CPs) are a popular focus of ecological research, surprisingly few studies have investigated their prey spectra (the number and composition of captured prey). This knowledge gap has important implications for our understanding of sympatric speciation processes in CPs and may potentially hinder effective conservation and ecological restoration efforts. We applied a novel photography‐based analysis method to characterize the in situ prey spectra of eight species from Drosera sect. Arachnopus, including five species that were studied across multiple populations in northern Australia. The prey spectra of all studied species predominantly comprised of flying insects, with small Nematocera (Diptera) being the most common prey group across all species. While the prey spectra of most species varied significantly among locations, differences in prey spectra among sympatric species were most strongly determined by trap size. The number of prey captured per plant and per centimeter of trapping leaf was strongly associated with increasing leaf length, and species with larger trapping leaves also captured comparatively greater numbers of large prey items than species producing smaller trapping leaves. Although niche segregation in prey spectra was not observed at any of the study sites, at one location D. fragrans (a species producing a strong, honey‐like scent from trapping leaves) was found to capture significantly more winged Hymenoptera than the unscented sympatric D. aquatica, potentially indicating selective prey attraction in D. fragrans. Small species (such as D. nana) captured a disproportionally low amount of prey, despite being relatively widespread over large areas of northern Australia. Results indicate that carnivory may not have been a primary driver of diversification in D. sect. Arachnopus.
A new annual species of Drosera section Arachnopus, Drosera margaritacea, from the western Kimberley region (Western Australia) is described and illustrated, including detailed comparisons with the morphologically most similar species, D. finlaysoniana. The latter name is lectotypified here. The global range of D. finlaysoniana is provided, including a doubtful first record for Thailand, while the species, in contrast with statements made in some published references, does not occur in India, Laos, Cambodia and the Philippines. Additionally, the first record from Indonesia of the frequently misidentified D. aquatica is reported.
The carnivorous Drosera microphylla complex from southwest Western Australia comprises a group of rare, narrowly endemic species that are potentially threatened by habitat destruction and illegal collection, thus highlighting a need for accurate taxonomic classification to facilitate conservation efforts. Following extensive fieldwork over two decades, detailed studies of both Australian and European herbaria and consideration of both crucial contributions by citizen scientists and social media observations, nine species of the D. microphylla complex are here described and illustrated, including four new species: D. atrata, D. hortiorum, D. koikyennuruff, and D. reflexa. The identities of the previously described infraspecific taxa D. calycina var. minor and D. microphylla var. macropetala are clarified. Both are here lectotypified, reinstated, and elevated to species rank. A replacement name, D. rubricalyx, is provided for the former taxon. Key morphological characters distinguishing the species of this complex include the presence or absence of axillary leaves, lamina shape, petal colour, filament shape, and style length. A detailed identification key, comparison figures, and a distribution map are provided. Six of the nine species are recommended for inclusion on the Priority Flora List under the Conservation Codes for Western Australian Flora and Fauna.
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