Flytraps

Flytraps are a group of carnivorous plants that trap and digest small insects and other invertebrates to obtain essential nutrients, particularly nitrogen, in nutrient-poor soils. The best known example is the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula). Other plants sometimes called flytraps include Aldrovanda vesiculosa, the waterwheel plant, which captures prey with a rapid leaf movement while submerged.

In many flytraps, leaves are modified into traps at the tips of rosettes. The Venus flytrap’s trap consists of two hinged lobes lined with sensitive hairs. When a prey item touches a trigger hair, a pair of action potentials can cause the lobes to snap shut in less than a second, and the edges interlock to form a sealed chamber.

After closure, digestive glands release enzymes that break down soft tissues and absorb nutrients. Digestion typically takes several days to a couple of weeks. If the prey is not successful, some traps can reopen, though repeated use may reduce a trap’s longevity. Several species have evolved variations on this theme, including different trap shapes and closing mechanisms suited to their habitats.

Natural habitat is boggy, nutrient-poor wetlands in subtropical to temperate regions. The Venus flytrap is native to a small area of the Carolinas in the United States and is subject to conservation concerns due to habitat loss and over-collection; cultivated plants are widely available.

In cultivation, flytraps require bright light, high humidity, and a low-nutrient, acidic soil mix. They are typically grown in pots with peat-based media and must be watered with rainwater or distilled water. A winter dormancy period helps maintain long-term vigor. Propagation can be achieved from seed or by plant offsets.