Photomicrographs showing the details of the cannibalistic behaviour of Coleps hirtus A a static specimen with straight cilia due to multiple attacks by the predatory cells, arrowheads mark the cilia B, C same specimens after few seconds with detached cilia (arrowheads) D, E the predatory cells tries to feed on the dead cell, arrowheads in D, E, H–J points to the dead cell F the feeding starts with sucking of the cytoplasm and nuclear apparatus, arrowhead marks the macronuclear nodule G–J the predatory cells then feed on the calcified armours plates by breaking them into small pieces. The average length of live specimens of Coleps hirtus Frasassi cave population is 50 µm.