Carnivorous-Plants.co.uk

General Information

Probably the most well known carnivorous plant, the Venus Fly Trap is quite startling in the way it captures its prey.  The two lobes that form the trap are dished and spaced along the edges are spine like teeth.  On the inside of the trap along the edge of the teeth a nectar like substance is exuded to attract insects into the trap. On each lobe are usually three trigger hairs, an insect or object moving two or more of these hairs within about 15 seconds will cause the trap to close, capturing whatever triggered the hairs. 

The action of the trap is remarkably quick, going from the fully open position to interlocking the spines in around 1/3 of a second. Once the trap has been sprung the hairs must be moved once more to finally close the trap, this is to prevent the trap trying to digest an inert object blown in by the wind for example. 

If the hairs are triggered for a second time the trap will seal along its edges and secrete juices to digest the prey. When the plant has digested the soft parts of its prey the trap will reopen ready to work again, the shell of the last victim will stay in the trap or will be blown away by the wind. 

The Venus Fly Trap - native to North America - is the only plant of its species, and it's natural habitat is confined to a small area of bogland spanning North and South Carolina. 

Dionaea is an endangered species, and is protected by law to prevent plants being taken from the wild. though their natural habitat continues to contract.  It is possible that the Venus Fly Trap may become extinct in its natural surroundings in the future, fortunately such is the demand for the plant that it should remain in cultivation for the forseeable future.