The venus fly trap, or Dionaea muscipula, is a carnivorous plant that grows in eastern North Carolina. In the above photo, you see one at work, eating a grandaddy long legs. The tiny hairs close, only if they have had something come in contact with them twice within 20 seconds. That keeps the plants from expending energy to close if they are triggered by something like a piece of dirt. What an interesting adaptation. Also, they catch spiders and other crawling insects to extract nutrients to compensate for the very poor soil of their regular habitat.*

Often, you can find Venus fly traps in Greensboro at the farmers’ market on Sandy Ridge Road. The farmers’ market is always a fun place to visit on the weekend. Consider heading out there for some fresh produce, even if you don’t need a carnivorous plant. If you are looking for a little welcome-back-to-school cheer for a classroom, consider a Venus fly trap. Happy Saturday!

* reference and more information, here.