The diagram illustrates how small and large Venus flytrap species capture and process small prey in order to optimize the use of digestive enzymes.
Overall, both types of plants respond to trigger hairs by closing their traps. However, while the small trap fully digests the prey and absorbs nutrients, the large trap usually reopens without completing digestion when the prey is small.
In the case of the small Venus flytrap, the process begins when an insect touches the trigger hairs, causing the trap to snap shut. After this, digestive enzymes are released, breaking down the prey. Finally, the plant absorbs nutrients, and the trap remains closed until digestion is complete.
By contrast, in the large Venus flytrap, the same initial step occurs when the prey activates the trigger hairs. The trap then closes briefly. However, because the insect is too small, insufficient enzymes are produced, and digestion does not take place. As a result, the trap reopens and releases the prey without absorbing nutrients.