What is a Venus flytrap?

A Venus flytrap is a green plant that is capable of photosynthesis and is also adapted to trap insects and digest and absorb nutrients from them. They are considered to be a carnivorous plant species. They supplement their diet with nutrients they get by trapping prey.

The trap part of the plant has hair-like structures that cause it to slam shut when prey disturbs them multiple times. Teeth-like structures interlock partially and, once the insect...

A Venus flytrap is a green plant that is capable of photosynthesis and is also adapted to trap insects and digest and absorb nutrients from them. They are considered to be a carnivorous plant species. They supplement their diet with nutrients they get by trapping prey.

The trap part of the plant has hair-like structures that cause it to slam shut when prey disturbs them multiple times. Teeth-like structures interlock partially and, once the insect moves around and struggles, close completely. Then, enzymes will cause the prey to hydrolyze and break down. This process occurs over many days.

These plants require a moist habitat and can be found in forests with acidic soil in a sunny environment. They can be found along the East Coast of the United States and are from the Carolinas originally, but some have been introduced to other areas, including Florida. 

These plants are endangered due to human activities including over-collecting them, habitat loss and fire suppression. These plants benefit from fires that occur in dry forests because it opens up sunny locations for the Venus flytrap to grow.

I have included a website with lovely pictures of the Venus flytrap. According to this website, it is classified in the Kingdom Plantae, Phylum Anthophyta.