Etymology. The plant’s common name refers to Venus , the Roman goddess of love. The genus name, Dionaea (“daughter of Dione”), refers to the Greek goddess Aphrodite, while the species name, muscipula, is Latin for both “mousetrap” and “flytrap”.
Why are Venus flytraps illegal?
The North Carolina Plant Conservation Program lists the Venus flytrap as a species of Special Concern-Vulnerable in North Carolina, and poaching of this plant became a felony in 2014. ... Poaching is also a serious threat to the Venus plant and increased incidents of theft have been prosecuted in recent years.
Do Venus flytraps actually eat bugs?
The Venus flytrap gets some of its nutrients from the soil, but to supplement its diet, the plant eats insects and arachnids . Ants, beetles, grasshoppers, flying insects, and spiders are all victims of the flytrap. ... Each trap on the plant can only open and close several times before it dies and falls off.
What happens if you put your finger in a Venus flytrap?
Poking your finger at a Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is uneventful. If you put your finger in one of the plant’s traps and wiggle it around, you can get the trap to close . No harm will come to you, but you may harm the plant. ... Springing the leaves of the plant shut also makes them unavailable for photosynthesis.
Can a Venus flytrap cut you?
Fully grown Venus Flytraps flower in Spring, but unless you are an experienced grower and intend to harvest seed, you should cut off the flower stalk once it’s reached about 5 cm tall . Flowering can be exhausting for Venus Flytraps, and most plants will grow more vigorously during summer if prevented from flowering.
Does a Venus flytrap have a brain?
Venus flytraps do not have brains . They have evolved over the years to perfect mechanisms that are based solely on reaction to stimuli. This video explains how carnivorous plants developed their carnivorous plant nature.
How do I attract flies to my Venus flytrap?
To attract flies or other prey, the Venus flytrap secretes nectar on to its open traps . Insects smell the sweet nectar and once they land on the leaves, they trip the trigger hairs on the outside of the traps. This causes the cells in the leaves to expand.
How long do Venus fly traps live?
Each trap on the plant can only open and close several times before it dies and falls off. Then the plant produces a new trap from its underground stems. The lifespan of the Venus flytrap isn’t known for certain, but it’s been estimated to live up to 20 years and possibly longer .
Where should I keep my Venus flytrap?
The flytrap grows best outdoors as a container or potted plant. It makes an excellent addition to any sunny deck or patio. You may also grow it in a pond or fountain, but keep the crown of the plant above water.
Why do Venus fly traps turn black?
If your growing conditions aren’t ideal, your plant’s traps may turn black every time they’re fed , or even if they haven’t been fed at all. ... Like most carnivorous plants, Venus flytraps need a nutrient-poor soil. Normal potting compost or anything with fertilizer will hurt your plant!
Can a Venus flytrap survive without bugs?
Although flytraps are carnivorous, they can go long periods (a month or two) without eating insects . If you grow them outdoors, they’ll get enough to eat naturally.
Should I cut the flower off my Venus flytrap?
Fully grown Venus Flytraps flower in Spring, but unless you are an experienced grower and intend to harvest seed, you should cut off the flower stalk once it’s reached about 5 cm tall . Flowering can be exhausting for Venus Flytraps, and most plants will grow more vigorously during summer if prevented from flowering.
What does an unhealthy Venus flytrap look like?
Unhealthy Venus flytrap exhibit faded colors, deformed leaves, an increase of black leaves, or unwanted odor . Owners should review their plant’s environment, especially the water source, water frequency, exposure to sunlight, and presence of pests.
Does a Venus flytrap open back up?
Once a trap closes, it can reopen within 24 hours , only if it has missed its prey or has non-organic substances in its trap. However, to digest its prey, it can take anywhere from three to five days to fully complete the process, leaving the trap closed for as long as it takes to finish.
Is a Venus flytrap conscious?
Plants, including Venus flytraps, are not conscious beings . Venus flytraps are unaware of themselves and the world surrounding them. They respond to stimuli that allow them to survive. ... Without a nervous system, Venus flytraps are unable to feel insects crawling inside their leaves.
Does a Venus flytrap have a tongue?
Venus flytraps are carnivorous plants that survive by capturing prey in a nasty looking “mouth”. So, naturally, this idiot decided to put his tongue in it . To his apparent surprise, it “really hurt!” “I made a similar mistake once,” says YouTuber Freedom.
