Scientists reveal surprising mechanism behind Venus flytrap’s rapid snap

‘It’s very surprising that plant cell walls can tune their mechanical properties so fast,’ Dr Yoël Forterre said. Photograph: marcouliana/Getty Images/iStockphoto

The Venus flytrap is one of nature’s most impressive predators, luring insects with the intoxicating scent of nectar before capturing them with a snap of its jaw-like leaves.

Now, scientists have revealed the mechanism that allows the carnivorous plant to react with lightning speed, resolving a problem that stumped Charles Darwin and many researchers after him.