five characteristics of Venus fly trap
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The Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is a carnivorous plant native to subtropical wetlands on the East Coast of the United States in North Carolina and South Carolina. It catches its prey—chiefly insects and arachnids—with a trapping structure formed by the terminal portion of each of the plant's leaves, which is triggered by tiny hairs (called "trigger hairs" or "sensitive hairs") on their inner surfaces.
The Dionaea muscipula, or Venus flytrap, is an interesting, carnivorous plant. To put it nicely, the Venus flytrap is more of a living death trap for surrounding insects. The species is one of nature’s baffling inventions that shows us just how amazing Mother Nature truly is. These alien-like plants have been a source of mystery and legend for centuries. Here are five fun facts about Venus flytraps:
The Dionaea muscipula is native to North America.
The only place in the entire world where Venus flytraps grow naturally is in North and South Carolina. The species lives in bog-like, coastal areas with 80% humidity. The plant requires poor, low-quality soil to grow properly. This is why they are a carnivorous species. Their lives depend on the nutrients provided by insects.
Scientists have created robot flytraps!
According to Popular Science, robotic plants and animals seem to be taking a particular interest with scientists in today’s growing society. Technicians in the states and in South Korea have built robot replicas of the Venus flytrap, which can catch and digest its meals for fuel!
It takes longer than a week for larger insects to digest.
When prey is captured, the flytrap secretes a liquid in a way that a human stomach functions. The digestive system of a flytrap is slow, taking as many as 10 days to completely digest insects and reopen its trap. However, Venus flytraps cannot digest exoskeletons. Instead, when its trap reopens, it spits out the bones of the insects.
Hamburgers cause flytraps to rot.
Even though Venus flytraps are carnivorous plants, they cannot eat the same types of meat a human can. If you feed a Venus flytrap a fast food burger, the plant will turn black, rot and die! It’s a good thing that doesn’t happen to humans!
They only have limited lives.
The trap on the plant only has a limited number of lives. After each capture, the trap of the plant remains closed for roughly a week and a half, preventing it from receiving additional nutrients. The trap of the plant can only open and close around half a dozen times before it permanently closes. The trap will continue to photosynthesize to provide nutrients to the plant but will be unable to trap unsuspecting insects.
Venus flytraps do some of their own pest control, but if you have any unwanted pests around your home don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experts can assist in any organic pest control solutions, tree and lawn care for your home, or even humane wildlife removal.