Isiwal · CC BY-SA 4.0
About
The Venus flytrap, *Dionaea muscipula*, is a striking carnivorous plant known for its jaw-like traps that snap shut when triggered by prey. It is the only species in its genus and is native to the temperate and subtropical wetlands of the Southeastern United States.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant forms a rosette of four to seven leaves arising from a short, bulb-like subterranean stem, which can reach 3 to 10 centimeters. Each leaf consists of a heart-shaped petiole and a terminal, hinged lobe forming the trap. The upper surface of the lobes contains red anthocyanin pigments and is fringed by stiff, hair-like protrusions (cilia).
Distribution & habitat
Native to the temperate and subtropical wetlands of North Carolina and South Carolina, on the East Coast of the United States.
Ecology
The traps capture prey, chiefly insects and arachnids, using a specialized mechanism involving three hair-like trichomes on the upper lobe surface. The trap requires two triggers to be touched in succession within 20 seconds, or one hair touched twice in rapid succession, to close. The plant only begins digestion after five more stimuli are activated, ensuring the prey is live and worthy of consumption.
History & etymology
The plant was first described by John Ellis in 1768, who proposed the scientific name *Dionaea muscipula*. The common name refers to Venus, the Roman goddess of love, while the species name, *muscipula*, is Latin for both "mousetrap" and "flytrap."
Conservation
The population of the Venus flytrap has been rapidly declining in its native range, and as of 2017, the species was under Endangered Species Act review by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Habitat
- Altitude
- 0–100 m
- Altitude Class
- lowland
- Native To
- United States
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- easy
- Temperature
- Summer 22–32°C / Winter dormancy 0–10°C
- Humidity
- 50–80%
- Notes
- Native to a small area of North and South Carolina. Requires winter dormancy. Hundreds of cultivars exist.
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