The top image is that of Mayorella, very common in putrid plant infusions, and if I am not mistaken (and I very well could be mistaken because there are so many species but....) Mayorella may, I said "may" form an "amoebostome." Much like the image you posted here while back of one Vahlkampfia ingesting what appears to be bacteria. (I still think that amoeba was a pathogen, possibly N. fowleri) This is just probably a close encounter with the paramecium but it, the amoeba, could have possibly formed an amoebostome and began feeding on the organism.
*"Amoebostome,"(ref to cytostome=mouth) is new to my vocabulary and was recently introduced while reading up on the genome and reviewing a discussion of small subunit rRNA/SSUrRNA. It was very interesting as to how these particular ameba feed and I found it surprising to be included in the discussion of the genome since it deals with the comlete genetic make up of the cell nucleus, Ah...!now it just came to mind, I was studying on the species Acanthamoeba. A very nasty little amoeba, of course and far from being asso. with Mayorella. The discussion went into a generalization of the organisms make up and habits before breaking down to specifics. These organisms are extreamly fascinating for just a small blob of protoplasm.
I have observed Mayorella for hours on end and into days of study by the microscope but have yet to observe the process of phagocytosis in that particular species or to observe the formation of a endocytic vesicle (food vacuole).
Very beautiful shots by the way, I always enjoy your ameba pics Charlie, the details are just great
