Science fiction has portrayed carnivorous plants as bloodthirsty killers waiting for jungle explorers to wander into their clutches. This is nice melodrama, but pure fabrication.

Truth be told, carnivorous plants are rather beautiful and colorful and are native to North America. Last year the U.S. Postal Service released a quartet of carnivores capturing small insects, their normal prey.

Venus’ flytrap is shown with a butterfly caught in its leaves. These are found in the Carolinas.

The yellow trumpet is seen with a fly in its leaves. They are found in the southeastern United States.

The English sundew is shown using its sticky leaves to trap small insects found in mossy bogs of the U.S. Southwest.

The cobra lily has captured a wasp in its mouth. This plant is native to the West Coast.

Correction notes

It was erroneously reported in a recent column that the stamps featuring “American Illustrators” are available through the U.S. Fulfillment Services of the USPS. It is no longer available there. The stamps can be found at your local dealer.

It also was incorrectly reported that the stamp honoring the flag-raising at ground zero after the Sept. 11 attacks will be released next spring. It, in fact, will be released this spring, after new rates become effective.