Bladderwort. Light micrograph of the insectivorous pond bladderwort Utricularia sp. This aquatic plant bears long, finely ramified branches on which sharp spines can be seen. Each branch carries many tiny flasks or bladders, known as utricles (at centre), which are used by the plant to trap and digest its insect prey. Magnification: x6 at 35mm size. Magnification: x12 at 6x6cm size.