How Do Venus Flytraps Work, and What Do They Really Eat?

Venus flytraps are carnivorous plants that have evolved to catch insects for survival. Learn how these fascinating plants work and how they use their unique traps to capture their prey.

By Stephen C. George
Sep 5, 2023 4:00 PM
A fly inside the trap of dionaea muscipula
(Credit: josehidalgo87/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Around the world today, you’ll find at least 700 different kinds of carnivorous plants, ranging from pitcher plants that lure their victims into pools of digestive enzymes to adhesive-trap plants whose stalks secrete a natural glue, turning them into living flypaper.

The fossil record contains evidence of early predator plants dating as far back as 40 million years, although many such plants likely existed much earlier than that. As fascinating as these plants are, none have captured the human imagination in the way that the Venus flytrap has.

The Venus Flytrap

(Credit: CristianoG/Shutterstock)

Known to science as Dionaea muscipula, the Venus flytrap is by far the most popular and well-known of predatory plants. Western botanists began writing about it in the 1700s, supposedly naming the flytrap after the goddess Venus because of the plant's beauty when it produces flowers (although there are other less genteel theories about the name).

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.