Adopt the Venus flytrap
Dionaea muscipula
Imperiled according to NatureServe
Habitat: Wet areas within longleaf pine savannas
Behavior: Carnivorous, feeds on insects
Despite being known around the world, many people are not aware that this fascinating carnivorous plant only exists in a narrow region of wetland habitat in North Carolina and South Carolina. Famous for its jaw-like modified leaves that snap shut when triggered by unsuspecting insects, the Venus flytrap derives essential nutrients by capturing and digesting its prey. Unfortunately, habitat loss due to human activities has led to a decline in natural populations of the species. The species is also threatened by poaching for the horticultural trade. Despite this, the Venus flytrap is still not currently protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Photo by Eleanor Dietrich (Flickr).
What You'll Get With Your Adoption
For a contribution of $25 or more, you are helping to protect our precious biodiversity. Your adoption will help update the featured species on NatureServe Explorer with an image and a description. You will receive a certificate of adoption, an Adopt-a-Species sticker, and a digital wallpaper of your species. Plus, next year you can vote on the new featured species for adoption!
Adopt a species for yourself or a loved one! Adoptions can be great way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, or holidays. When you gift a species, you’ll have the option to send the recipient a note letting them know of your thoughtful gesture.
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