Facts About the Venus Fly Trap
Dionaea muscipula, also known as the Venus flytrap, is a carnivorous plant found in the wild in the Carolinas. Venus flytraps capture live prey, digest it and absorb nutrients from it. Although endangered in the wild, Venus flytraps can be purchased and cared for as a houseplant. Does this Spark an idea?
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Features
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All Venus fly traps contain a broad, flat-leaf base and a trapping mechanism, called the leaf-blade. Trigger hairs on the trap signal the presence of prey to the plant.
Trap Function
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The Venus flytrap contains a snap-trap mechanism. When an insect crosses the plant's trigger hairs, the trap snaps shut to catch the prey.
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Digestion
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Enzymes secreted on the surface of the leaf digest the prey of the Venus flytrap. After digestion, the leaf opens again.
Habitat
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In the wild, the Venus flytrap grows in nutrient-poor wetlands or bogs. While most other plants cannot survive in these environments, Venus fly traps have adapted to the conditions by catching live prey.
Conservation
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Development of land for agriculture and home and business construction has led to the endangerment of wild Venus flytraps. Field collection of Venus flytraps is illegal.
Home Care
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With special care, Venus flytraps can be grown at home in terrariums. Sunny, humid conditions, similar to growing conditions found in the wild, are necessary, and insects must be provided as food.
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