The trap constricts tightly around the insect and secretes digestive juices,
much like those in your stomach. It dissolves the soft, inner parts of the
insect, but not the tough, outer part called the exoskeleton. At the end of
the digestive process, which takes from five to twelve days, the trap
reabsorbs the digestive fluid and then reopens. The leftover parts of the
insect, the exoskeleton, blow away in the wind or are washed away by rain.
The time it takes for the trap to reopen depends on the size of the insect,
temperature, the age of the trap, and the number of times it has gone
through this process.

http://www.botany.org/bsa/misc/carn.html

--

Baal

I smile and go off waving
(Amiably) - for that's my way
"David (Normandy)" wrote in message
...
Anyone know how do Venus fly traps digest flies? Mine earns its keep on
the windowsill by catching an assortment of house flies, gnats etc, but
when the traps eventually re-open the flies still look intact and
undigested.

David.







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