Electrophysiology - Thigmonasty - Rapid Plant Movement
Dionaea muscipula exhibits "primitive intelligence" through its ability to count. The trap's inner surface contains sensitive trigger hairs (mechano-receptors). Touching a single hair generates an action potential (electrical signal) but does not close the trap. A second touch within approximately 20 seconds is required to trigger the rapid change in turgor pressure that snaps the lobes shut (thigmonasty). This mechanism prevents energy waste on non-prey items like raindrops.
Once the prey is trapped, its struggles stimulate the hairs further (counting to 5+), signaling the plant to seal the trap hermetically. This forms an external stomach. The plant then secretes an antiseptic, acidic fluid containing proteases to dissolve the insect's soft tissues. Glands on the leaf surface absorb the resulting nitrogen-rich soup directly into the plant's vascular system. The process takes 5 to 12 days depending on the prey size.
