[James Clough]

Can venus fly traps really grow large enough 2 eat a small rat?

[Credendovidis]

Dear James,

Having read a lot on these plants I suggest it may be possible in the jungle, but not in your lounge or bedroom...
It's more likely that a rat would be capable of biting his way out of a trap.

:)

[Gem_22205]

Venus Fly Traps capture any crawling or flying creature of suitable size – they feast particularly on spiders, but plants in the wild may have a different diet. The 'Daddy-long-legs' spiders seem to have a fascination for these plants (there is no arachnid phobia of VFTs), and on many occasions the long spindly legs can be seen protruding from a closed trap.

Very occasionally a few vertebrates are supposedly captured, such as rats, birds, or frogs. These events are usually ascribed to Nepenthes species, the tropical pitcher plants. But these are rare surprises and do not represent normal prey.

Here are two very informative sites on the subject for you.

Growing Cycle of Dionaea Muscipula: Dr. Samuel Vergio Miensinompe
Growing Cycle of Dionaea Muscipula

VCPS - Tips