Since the first description of the “Venus Flytrap” (Dionaea muscipula) back in 1763 (though, originally, it was called the “Fly Trap Sensitive”, and it’s carnivory was yet unknown), carnivorous plants have piqued the curiosity of scientists, botanists and the general public, and are turning into one of the fastest growing of plant hobbies. The Venus Flytrap is certainly the most famous among carnivores, with its bear-trap-like jaws of death, yet there are many others just as effective at snaring their prey, such as: pitcher plants of various types, sundews, butterworts and bladderworts. There are even some “garden” varieties of plants which may be carnivorous at various points in their lives, such as: petunias and tobacco, though there isn’t enough scientific evidence, thus far, (yet I, myself, have witnessed the luring and trapping in these two groups of plants in my own nursery, especially in young petunias). While some plants which are not carnivorous can lure and capture insects, animals and other organisms, they do not use them for food, but rather, for pollination only. Carnivorous plants are generally found in wet, boggy or swampy areas, where there are few to no nutrients in the mediums into which they are rooted, and have, through time, developed methods of luring, trapping and literally digesting their prey; using the nutrients for food. Naturally found growing in North and South Carolina, the Venus Flytrap is now threatened by extinction in the wild; fortunately it will live on in private collections due to mass propagation for the nursery trade. Perhaps one of the most amazing plants on earth, the Flytrap lures its insect prey with nectar glands which line the clam shell-like halves of each trap. Each half is also edged in eyelash-like teeth, and on the inside, there are 3 trigger hairs on each half. When these triggers are stimulated twice in rapid succession, the cells multiply rapidly, and the halves slam shut on the victim – literally growing closed in under one second. The teeth intermesh and, as the bug struggles to free itself, the trap clamps tighter and tighter, gradually secreting digestive enzymes. Once the trap has used the nutrients, it will reopen and reset itself for the next capture. Another surprising tidbit – Flytraps will reopen if what is trapped is not edible! There are many types of pitcher plants, including: Sarracenia and Darlingtonia, which are native to the U.S., along with the tropical Nepenthes, South American Sun Pitchers (Heliamphora) and the Australian Pitcher Plant (Cephalotus follicularis). Pitcher plants have tubular or urn-shaped leaves (traps), which contain water and digestive enzymes. Once lured into the traps, the insects (or even animals in some cases) can not escape the slippery or downward pointing hairs that line the walls of the traps, and eventually drown in the liquid contained within, and the nutrients are absorbed. Literally hundreds, if not thousands of insects can be captured in one leaf of a Sarracenia! Sundews (Drosera species) are widespread around the globe, and work similarly to Sea Anemones, with delicate rosettes of leaves which are covered in sticky tentacles that are tipped in shimmering, deadly dew – ensnaring and suffocating their prey (generally small flying insects) with a glue-like substance. They then secrete acids and enzymes which further aid in digestion. Butterworts (Pinguicula species) are generally small, rosette shaped plants, and are also found in the Northern and Southern hemispheres. The leaves have an oily feel to them, and are covered in minute hairs covered in sticky glue. When prey lights on the leaves and is snared, dry glands covering the leaves then begin producing enzymes… the rest of the process goes without saying. Since Linnaeus and Darwin, carnivorous plants have not only captured insects and animals, but also a deep curiosity and appreciation among people for their [plants] amazing lives and habits. There are also many wonderful books out on the subject, which may be found online, in book stores and at your local library. Vegetarians take note… even some plants eat meat!