The Venus Flytrap has stiff hairs called cilia on its edges. They remain in place as the wasps buzz around. More wasps eventually join until there are four wasps looking for nectar in the Venus Flytrap, which is exactly where the plant wants them to be. Venus Flytraps can eat a variety of insects, including flies, ants, and others. Even with their stingers, wasps are no match for the Venus Flytrap. The wasps feel around for nectar while the Venus Flytrap waits. It closes on air once, the wasp having just left its trap. You can see how the cilia interlock as the plant closes. This time, it is empty. But next time, the wasp won’t be so lucky. Another small plant attracts two wasps to its surface. The wasps buzz around, stopping to get nectar and explore the plant some more. But neither stay for long. That’s okay for the Venus Flytrap. They can continue to wait. Eventually, one unsuspecting wasp does become lunch. It climbs over the cilia, triggering them to close. The Venus Flytrap closes quickly to keep the wasp inside. The wasp tries to get out, pushing parts of its body through the small openings between the cilia. The video shows the Venus Flytrap getting more wasps in its path. Each time it closes over a wasp, the cilia interlock to keep it in place. The plant catches two wasps in its final meal included in the video. However, one manages to escape its clutches before being digested.
