Illustration of the insect catching process of Venus flytrap

Secrete nectar glands to attract insects

The leaf margins of the Venus flytrap contain nectar glands that secrete nectar to attract insects. When an insect enters the leaf surface and touches the sensory organ twice in a row, the two petals of the Venus flytrap will quickly close.

Sending signals

The insect-catching information is not provided directly by the sensory hairs, but by a group of sensory cells at the base of the sensory hairs. When an insect stimulates a sensory cell, it sends out a weak electric current to notify the corresponding leaf.

Before being stimulated, the insect trap is open at a 60 -degree angle, and when stimulated, it closes rapidly with its leaf veins as the axis.

Closing of insect trap

If the Venus flytrap's sensory hairs are touched twice within 20 to 30 seconds, the insect trap will quickly close. If this time is exceeded, a third stimulation will be required for closure. The trap requires two stimulations to confirm that the insect has reached the appropriate location, rather than just clamping part of the insect and giving the insect a chance to escape.

Catching speed

When the sensory hairs of the Venus flytrap are stimulated twice in succession, the leaves will close immediately, on average, within about 0.5 seconds. Of course, some artificial garden varieties cannot reach this speed.

Digestion and absorption

After catching the insect, the trap will remain closed for several to ten days. At this time, the insects are digested by digestive juices secreted by glands distributed on the insect trap. Once the insect is digested, the trap opens again to await the next prey. Insect shells that cannot be digested are carried away by wind and rain. The second stage of digestion requires the insect to struggle, so the insects caught by the walking insect trap are indeed alive. (Now even plants have such high IQ)