If you ever wondered why some plants evolved into carnivorous plants, or how they actually digest their prey, then you'll want to watch the PBS show “Plants Behaving Badly”, now available on DVD from your local Solano County Library branch.  Narrated by Richard Attenborough, it was first broadcast in 2013.  The show is divided into two episodes, the first titled “Murder and Mayhem” and the second titled “Sex and Lies”.

In “Murder and Mayhem” viewers get a close up look at the evolution, behavior and biology of carnivorous plants like the flytrap, sundew, and pitchers.  You'll be fascinated by how these plants trap their prey, or in some cases releasing smaller prey that don't provide a significant meal.  The episode shows how the plants derive nourishment from their prey.  And you'll be surprised to learn of one plant that gets its nourishment not from the prey it caught, but from the droppings of another insect that feeds upon the prey trapped by the plant.

The second episode, “Sex and Lies” explores the biology of orchids, of which there are over 2500 known species, and their effectiveness in reproduction.  Orchids are all designed to lure in, and in some cases temporarily trap pollinators, dusting them with pollen.  The pollinator then spreads that pollen to other orchids ensuring continuation of the species.

"Plants Behaving Badly” will fascinate you from start to end.  Although some may view the plants as behaving badly, others may view them as simply adapting for survival.  You'll need to watch the show to make up your own mind.  So check it out at the library!