The Carnivorous Plant FAQ Field Trip Report -

North and South Carolina low country, 2007

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Yellow:
Here is a nice flower.

The petals of this plant were fluttering in the wind, so I leaned against a shrub as I waited for the breeze to subside. I did not yet know it, but the shrub contained a fire ant highway. Just after I photographed the flower, the fire ants started stinging! I was covered with them, and they were in a fury!

I dodged behind a bush that blocked me from the view of passing traffic, and very quickly stripped off all my clothes. Yes, I was bum-naked. But when all your clothes are covered with fire ants, this is the best solution. One by one I de-anted my clothes, and as my police record shows, I managed to get dressed before I was spotted by the highway patrol.

I was glad I was alone. This is not the time to be with other people, especially ones with cameras.

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Revised: February 2008
©Barry Rice, 2005