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jst another noob question
- Thread starter VTFlover
- Start date
seedjar
Let's positive thinking!
Unlike goldfish, it's highly unlikely that a VFT will ever overfeed. The traps naturally accomodate only prey of managable size, so, unless some exotic, super-nutritive bug finds it's way to your traps, it shouldn't ever be a problem. That said, it is very possible to manually overfeed a VFT, by intentionally giving it the wrong food or prey items that are too big or already decaying. Also, some bugs are just chemically unpalatable to flytraps, such as varieties of ants that produce lots of formic acid. In either case, usually the very worst is that the individual trap (and not the entire plant) will cease to function, discolor, or die. But it's not harmful to the plant - the reason there is a trap on the end of each leaf is because the plant knows that it's going to need to replace them regularly.
~Joe
~Joe
glider14
Always a newbie
Hand feed one or two traps a month if you wish, or any time you happen to catch a bug running around the house.
You should do it at least once in your lifetime just so you can watch the process from the beginning.
What many people do with strong or fast insects like bees, wasps or crickets is put them in a container and then into the freezer for a few minutes - long enough to slow the insect down but not kill it. Then with some tweezers feed the insect into a trap. The leaf should close tight enough that the insect cannot escape. As the insect warms up it will struggle more and signal the trap to close tighter.
You should do it at least once in your lifetime just so you can watch the process from the beginning.
What many people do with strong or fast insects like bees, wasps or crickets is put them in a container and then into the freezer for a few minutes - long enough to slow the insect down but not kill it. Then with some tweezers feed the insect into a trap. The leaf should close tight enough that the insect cannot escape. As the insect warms up it will struggle more and signal the trap to close tighter.
The insect should be small enough to fit completely into the trap. Any thing bigger you risk the change it might escape or more likely start growing fungus or mold which probably isn't good for the leaf and the plant.
Once the trap seals (2nd phase) there isn't much to see. Before that you can kind of peek in between the cilia (teeth/fingers). A strong magnifying glass is recommended. After it seals you can take a small pen light and light the leaf from behind and you can make out the shadow of the insect (unless it's a fairly light or translucent insect).
Do not try to pry or pull open the trap as you will tear or otherwise damage it.
Remember this is a living organism and one of the true miracles of nature. Treat it as such and not a pet to perform tricks for you and it may live for decades to give you enjoyment for having it.
Once the trap seals (2nd phase) there isn't much to see. Before that you can kind of peek in between the cilia (teeth/fingers). A strong magnifying glass is recommended. After it seals you can take a small pen light and light the leaf from behind and you can make out the shadow of the insect (unless it's a fairly light or translucent insect).
Do not try to pry or pull open the trap as you will tear or otherwise damage it.
Remember this is a living organism and one of the true miracles of nature. Treat it as such and not a pet to perform tricks for you and it may live for decades to give you enjoyment for having it.
joossa
Aklys
