by Madison Williams
Did you know that some plants actually eat insects? Yep! One of the most famous carnivorous (meat-eating) plants is called the Venus flytrap. The plant’s scientific name is Dionaea muscipula (pronunciation: dai·uh·NAY·uh muh·SHI·poo·luh). These hungry plants are native to North Carolina and South Carolina, however, they have been introduced into other parts of the U.S., such as Florida and New Jersey. They grow best in “wet, open, longleaf pine savannas.”
You’re probably wondering–how can a plant eat bugs? Venus flytraps have two lobes at the end of each leaf that can open and close. This is how they trap their prey! Ants, spiders, beetles, grasshoppers, and some flying insects are all part of this plant’s diet. However, these plants do not eat the insects that pollinate them, such as bees.
The two lobes have small “trigger hairs” on them. When these hairs are touched twice in a row, they set off an electrical charge, which causes the lobes to close on the prey. These lobes have teeth around their edges to help seal the insects inside. Digestive enzymes in the lobe will then begin to digest the prey and the trap will absorb the nutrients that are released. The Venus flytrap also gets energy from the sun through photosynthesis.
The Venus flytrap can live for 20 years or more! This is because it is a type of perennial plant, meaning it blooms every year. Since they are pollinated by other insects, they produce seeds, which spread and allow new plants to grow. Each trap on the plant can open and close several times, but it will eventually fall off and be replaced by a new trap.
Conservation efforts for the Venus flytrap are very important. The greatest danger to the species is “overcollection, habitat destruction, and fire suppression” in their habitats. Without frequent fires in their habitat, other trees and plants begin to grow and will block the sun from reaching them. This keeps them from going through photosynthesis and getting the energy they need from the sun.
Aren’t these plants incredible? If you are ever working with them, make sure to keep your fingers away from the trap!
