The diagram illustrates how small and large Venus flytraps deal with small prey in order to optimize the use of digestive enzymes.
Overall, both types of traps respond when their trigger hairs are touched by the prey. However, small traps proceed to digest the prey, while large traps tend to release small insects to escape due to structural differences.
In the case of a small trap, the process begins when a small insect crawls inside the plant and touches the trigger hairs. This stimulation causes the trap to snap shut quickly. After closing, the plant releases digestive enzymes, which dissolve the soft tissue and cell membranes of the insect. Over time, nutrients are absorbed by the plant, allowing it to gain nutrition from the insect.
By contrast, a large trap follows a slightly different process when dealing with small prey. The large Venus flytrap also closes after the insect triggers the hairs. However, due to its larger size, the gaps between the teeth of the trap remain relatively wide. As a result, small insects can escape through these gaps. Consequently, the plant does not continue the digestion process and re-opens.