The Vorticella's stalk is fully extended and anchored as the creature sways back and forth, swirling bits of food into its mouth. Slightly below the black pointer is a brown-colored worm, the larva of one of the many midge-type flies. Shortly after this photo was taken, the worm began wildly whipping its body (that's how they move) and it inadvertantly cut the Vorticella's stalk. The picture at the right shows the critter rolled into a ball and wandering aimlessly. The stub of the stalk can be seen at the edge of the body, at about 10 o'clock. Back To Image Index Page