Largest genus of carnivorous plants

The largest genus of carnivorous plants is currently the sundews (Drosera), with approximately 259 documented species as of October 2025. Occurring on every continent except for Antarctica, sundews capture prey with their sticky leaves then derive nutrients from any invertebrates that become affixed to their leaves. In total, there are nearly 900 known species of carnivorous plant across 19 genera.

A very close second place are the bladderworts (genus Utricularia), with approximately 248 known species as of October 2025. Aquatic bladderworts suck prey into underwater bladders using vacuum power and include among their number the fastest predatory plant overall. Bladderworts are also found on every continent bar Antarctica.

It should be noted that there is not at all agreement among biologists today what defines a “species,” and so many of these species may be considered, through the lens of history, as being just varieties of other species. On the other hand, several species of carnivorous plants are discovered every year, so these numbers are constantly changing.