Did you know that Venus flytraps can actually COUNT?
That's right - these fascinating carnivorous plants don't just snap shut at the first touch. They're actually counting the number of times their trigger hairs are stimulated!
When an insect first touches the sensitive hairs inside a Venus flytrap's "mouth," the plant doesn't immediately close. Instead, it waits for a SECOND touch within about 20 seconds before snapping shut.
This brilliant evolutionary mechanism helps the plant conserve energy by making sure it's not closing on raindrops, debris, or other non-nutritious objects.
But the counting doesn't stop there! After closing, the trap counts THREE MORE touches (for a total of FIVE) before it begins secreting digestive enzymes. Only then does it start the 5-10 day process of digesting its prey.
Scientists believe this counting ability works through electrical signals and calcium ion storage - essentially a basic form of plant "memory"!