9 The Venus flytrap

LEAH'S MISSION NOTES THE VENUS FLYTRAP Most plants need water and sunlight to survive, but for some, that's not enough. Carnivorous plants catch and "eat" insects or other small animals and digest them to gain extra nutrients. The world's most famous carnivorous plant is the Venus flytrap. Venus flytraps are bright red on the inside to attract insects to land on them.

HOW VENUS FLYTRAPS WORK When an insect lands on a Venus flytrap and comes into contact with tiny "trigger hairs," the plant's hinged leaves snap shut. This creates a cage around the insect. The plant then creates a special substance that digests their prey. Venus flytraps only clamp shut if two trigger hairs are touchea in quick succession. This means the leaves will detect prey, but won't trigger for false alarms such as drops of rain.