Venus Flytrap: Plant That Snares Animal Prey

By: EjazUlHaqBhat

Image: Pexels

The Venus flytrap is a carnivorous plant that uses its hinged leaves to trap and eat insects and spiders

Image: Pexels

The plant attracts prey with its fruity smell and reddish colour

Image: Pexels

When an insect touches the plant's sensitive hairs, the trap snaps shut

Image: Pexels

It has small bristles that interlock when the trap shuts, to prevent prey from escaping

Image: Pexels

The plant estimates the size of its prey by counting how many times the hairs are touched

Image: Pexels

If the plant is touched five or more times, it produces enzymes to digest the prey

Image: Pexels

The plant secretes a digestive fluid that helps it absorb nutrients from the trapped insect

Image: Pexels

The plant is native to North and South Carolina and grows in moist, acidic, nutrient-poor soils

Image: Pexels

Check More Stories

ndtv.com