Today Yangyang will introduce you to a super interesting insectivorous plant Venus flytrap.
Venus flytrap is also known as flytrap, and as the name suggests, it is a plant that feeds on flies. But in reality, the Venus flytrap does not only hunt flies, but also eats any living thing it can hold, including all kinds of small flying insects, beetles, and so on.
The Venus flytrap is about ten centimeters tall and is distinguished by its two predatory leaves. The edges of the leaves are covered with prickly hairs, which usually open outward, like a large mouth with fangs, waiting for the prey to come to the door automatically. While these bristles may seem like easy to hurt, they are actually very soft. When the flytrap traps its prey, these stinging hairs form a serrated cage that prevents the prey from escaping.
It is important to note that these two leaves of the flytrap are not swallowed by any object at will. They have the ability to distinguish between food and non-food. Venus flytraps secrete nectar through the nectar glands at the edge of the leaf to lure insects closer. When the insect crawls into the leaf, there are three fine hairs on the inside of the leaf called sensory hairs. The leaf closes only when either sensory hairs are touched twice in a row, or when two sensory hairs are touched separately. This mechanism is to ensure that the insect has reached its proper position. Because this can largely distinguish whether the object entering the blade is fallen leaves and other debris, but it cannot guarantee 100% accuracy. For example, if a slightly more three-dimensional object, such as a twig or a small stone, touches two sensory hairs at the same time, the leaf will also close.
When the leaves are closed, the prey needs to continue to stimulate the sensory hairs as well as the sensory cells. If the trapped prey continues to struggle and stimulates the sensory cells, the digestive glands in the red part of the leaf begin to secrete digestive juices. Normally, after the flytrap catches the insect, the trap is closed for about a week until the insect has been completely digested, and the trap opens again to wait for the arrival of the next prey.
Well, that's all for today!