Venus Fly Trap: Nature's Own Bug Zapper

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the Venus Fly Trap, or the Dionaea muscipula, which was first found in the savannahs of the Carolinas and is classified in the division of Magnoliophyta, the class of Magnoliopsida, the order of Nepenthalesniales, and the family of Droseraceae. It describes its many interesting traits and characteristics, such as its physical makeup, its methods of capture and ingestion and the effect of fire on its growth. It also provides information on how to take care of a Venus Fly Trap in your own home.

From the Paper:

"The venus fly trap's most interesting feature is its process of feeding. The leaves of the plant are in fact traps for insects to fall into; the inside of the leaf is colored red and a scent is secreted, both of which attract insects to the plant. Also on the inside of the leaves are small hairs which sense the presence of something inside the trap. When the hairs are touched twice (two touches are necessary in order to avoid unnecessary closings from rain droplets and the like), the leaves close in on the insect inside. Once enclosed, the plant covers the insect in digestive fluid and breaks it down in order to absorb the nutrients contained in the insect."

More papers on Venus Fly Trap: Nature's Own Bug Zapper:

• Research Paper # 56786 : "The Venus Fly Trap"
• Essay # 52693 : "Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus"
• Article Review # 108126 : "Annie Dillard's "The Giant Water Bug"

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