182 NATURE SKETCHES IN TEMPERATE AMERICA 



The Evening Primrose 

 Spider Trap 



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1 1 A T a poetical 

 mood nature was in 

 wlien she evolved 

 the evetiiiifi j)rim- 

 rosc with its dainty yellow 

 blossoms, that forecast the 

 nijiht by ojienin^ just before 

 sundown ! If it were not for the 

 opening of these flowers toward sunset, there 

 would not be accommodation for the night- 

 flying moths, which depend upon such flowers 

 for tiieir honey. And were it not for these flowers, 

 what would become of the yellow and rose-colored moth which 

 frequents the half-open blossoms in daytime for the protection 

 it there enjoys by its harmonious coloring ? Again, how little 

 do these insect guests of the evening primrose suspect that 

 within the delicate flower petals an invisible animated trap 

 sometimes awaits their coming, which in a twinkling and 

 without warning literally catches them in the jaws of death. 

 Evidence of this secret trap may not be found in every 

 evening primrose. In fact, I examined many of the flowers 

 of these plants before discovering the remarkable secret trap 

 referred to. 



Those who have not witnessed it certainly have something 

 interesting in store for them. In the wild sandy meadow 

 where the primrose plants are abundant, I have seen a dead 

 moth, a fly, or perhaps a bee lying on the open flower, or below 



