Aut2imagine
Christian Corralejo
Character/Creature designer
Proxima B Life
This is a personal, ongoing project of mine where I speculate what life on the recently discovered planet Proxima B could look life if it does exist there. This project also ties in to one of the story concept I have in mind.
Proxima b is planet that's roughly 1.3 earth masses and located 4.22 light years away in the Alpha Centauri system. In this project, it is tidally locked with one side facing the parent star, Proxima Centauri, while the other faces outward into space. Between the two extremes is a habitable band that encircles the planet. This band in turn is divided into three major regions: the inner region, middle region, and outer region. The parent star regularly releases large bursts of UV radiation but Proxima B developed a strong magnetosphere that blocks most of the radiation and allows life to adapt to the amounts that enter the atmosphere. They do so by converting UV rays into visible light, becoming biofluorescent.
Though these lifeforms are fictional, they are grounded in the laws of physics and biology as much as possible.
Inner Region
Willow fans: These organisms come from a family that blend the characteristics of plants and animals. Their dark color allows them to absorb light emitted from m class stars. Instead of outgrowing each other, they move through the sand via semi-submerged tentacles (which also absorb nutrients like plants). They're among the most resistant macro-organisms to the parent star's deadly rays and inhabit the closest proximity to it. When hit by deadly rays they emit a red light. Willow fans have a flexible structure so when a particularly strong gust erupts the Fans can just bend over. When there are strong winds they release spores that the wind carries further inward. The offspring then make the arduous journey back to the grove (that's what I'm calling the mass of willow fans). This acts as a test of fitness and during the journey they can become prey to other organisms.
Desert sand springer: sand springers are the arthropods of Proxima b and come in a variety of species. The desert sand springer feeds on the spores and larva of the willow fans as well as fluids of the willow fans if they are not out of range. Roughly the size of shrimp, they can jump dozens of meters into the air using their powerful hind legs and tail and slow their decent with feathery appendages. they burrow in the sand to provide extra protection from solar flares and to avoid detection from predators. They emit orange light on their bodies and red on their feathery appendages.
Land whale: The largest terrestrial organisms, land whales can reach lengths between 33.5-41m. Their flattened and relatively hallow bodies distribute their mass and the move via six pairs of powerful limbs*, body surfing over the sand as oppose to actually swimming in it. They feed on larval willow fans,desert sand springers, and any edible particles using the winds to direct them into their massive mouths and their gills to filter out most of the sand (the rest is excreted in a manner sea cucumbers use). They travel in small pods and move away from the suns proximity to mate and raise newborns. They emit and orange light.
Lindworm: Reaching up to 10 m in total length, these opportunistic predators have teeth similar to earth's leopard seals, allowing them to filler feed for small organisms such as sand springers and hunt larger ones such as young land whales. They have a pair of powerful forelimbs and five fairs of fins lining their eel-like bodies to help propel them across the sand. They emit orange light on most of their bodies and red light on their head and dorsal fins.
Middle Region
Clover Fans: Related to the Willow fans of the inner region, clovers fans range from 10-20m in height depending on the surrounding topography. Though their heights vary, they move instead of out growing each other. Whole "forests" of clover fans jostle for a prim position in the sun. Winds levels are lower than in the inner region but the upper portions of the fans remain flexible to prevent breakage and their tentacles have small, retractable tendrils to help anchor them down during strong gusts. The tendrils also act as a means of sexual reproduction when tentacles of two individuals cross over each other. At the mid section the Clover fans produce fruiting bodies contain spores with the intent of being eating and transported to different locations. They emit green lights with some orange on the leaves
Running blades: The most comparable to earth plants on Proxima b, running blades exist in vast, interconnected colonies that distribute energy incase sections of the colony are blocked from the parent star by topography or other organisms. Their subterranean connections is akin to fungi on earth and absorb nutrients from the soil. If a section of a colony gets cut off from the rest for whatever reason, it continues to grow and spread, creating it's own genetic variation. Two or more separate colonies meet they connect and exchange genetic material. They emit green light.
Greater Razorback: Elephant sized browsers, Greater Razorbacks travel in herds consisting of a few related males, multiple females and several juveniles. Both sexes have similar head shields and spikes, their main source of defense, the males are distinguished by the sails and patterns that run along their backs. The Razorbacks evolved as grazers, using their long tongues to pull up Running blades to their downward facing mouths. The spikes that run along their bodies formed from vestigial limbs and deter predators from knocking them down which would lead to the vertebra composing their sails breaking and instant death.
Emperor spike tail: Emperor spike tails are among the largest herbivores of the middle region, reaching over 17m in total length. They are generalists that both graze on Running blades and feed on Clover fan pods which they reach with their long tongues. At less risk of a broken back than the Razorback, the vestigial limbs of the spike tails evolved into extra layering to protect their underbellies. Sexes are distinguished by their head crests, both sexes have tails covered in rows spikes for protection (hence their name).
Broadmouthes: Among the smallest macro herbivores of the inner region, standing roughly 1.7m at the shoulder, the Broadmouthes are grazers who mostly feed on Running Blades that have been shortened by the Razorbacks. When shortened running blades become scarce, the Broadmouthes feed on the Clover Fans, chewing through the thick epidermis with their enlarged molars. They eat away at the tentacles until the Clover fan falls over which the Broadmouthes feed on the rest of the body. A single adult Clover fan can sustain an entire herd for several days, allowing Running blades to regrow. Like the spike tails, Broadmouthes have stomach platting formed from vestigial limbs though they lack any real defense other than speed and numbers.
Cockatrice: Common pack hunters, cockatrices primarily hunt medium sized prey such as Broadmouthes but will hunt young razorbacks and spike tails if given the opportunity. Their main method of killing are five pairs of hooked claws as well as a sharp inner toe claw akin to cassowaries. Their arms have orange biofluorescence which they use for matting displays and intimidation. At 4m in length, cockatrices strongly resemble theropod dinosaurs, particularly dromeosaurs.
Drakes: Over 9m in total length, drakes are large, solitary ambush predators that focus on large prey, particularly razorbacks. Their main hunting strategy is sneaking close to their target then using their size and strength to push them over, either killing or significantly injuring the prey. If old or injured they chase away smaller predators from their kills or settle for smaller animals. Just like many herbivores, bellies of drakes are protected by a layer of platting formed from the remains of middle limbs. Along with Green biofluorescence on their backs, drakes have blue biofluorescence on their bellies and orange on their head frills for display.
Kur (named after a dragon from Sumerian mythology): Kurs are the largest terrestrial carnivores on Proxima B and the apex predator in several ecosystems. Though they normally inhabit the middle region they often travel to the inner and outer regions in search of other forms of prey, even swimming across large swaths of ocean. On average, Kurs are around 21.3m (70ft) in length though older specimens can reach lengths of over 26m (85ft 4in). As a result of their mass, the Kur retained a third pair of functioning limbs for support. They are able to obtain such large sizes by being generalists, capable of hunting any form of prey. The majority of their diet consists of fishamanders*, but will target terrestrial prey when need be, using their unpredictable nature to their advantage. During certain periods, the Kur will even travel to the outer region to hunt landwhales. It is a hight risk endeavor but a successful kill will feed a full grown Kur for days. Males and females are virtually identical with the only distinction being reduced tail projections on the female (as shown on the individually fighting a land whale). Being non specific to any particular region, the Kur possess all four colors of biofluorescence.
Blade Springer: The most common species in the middle region, Blade springers feed on the fluids of Running Blades just as aphids feed on plants on Earth. There dark coloration coupled with green biofluorescence provide camouflage from predators while their tiny claws and tail pincers help them cling to Running Blades during strong winds.
Ground Pooka: Pookas are a group of rodent-like animals characterized by their fur covered bodies, six pairs of clawed, functional limbs, beak-like incisors, and biofluorescent patches in their mouths used for startling predators and mating display. They are so name because of a soft popping noise that sounds like a silent "Poo-Ka". The ground Pooka is a burrowing species that feeds on the interconnecting roots of Running Blades. Due to living mostly subterranean lives, they lack biofluorescence on their external bodies but still exhibit the characteristic mouth patches when one the surfaces.
Clover Pooka: This arboreal species feeds on the fruiting bodies as well as the softer areas of Clover Fans. Unlike their ground dwelling relatives, Clover Pookas have green biofluorescent patches on their backs to help blend into the surface of Clover Fans. They also have stretches of skin between their limbs to help them glide from Clover Fan to Clover Fan.
Carrion Wyvern: With a wingspan reaching up to 13m, the Carrion wyvern is the largest wyvern species. Due to their size they need to use their first pair of wings to propel themselves into their air and thus have retained two of their claws to aid in such feats. Carrion wyverns are opportunistic scavengers that feed on the remains of large animals and occasionally scare away smaller predators from their kill.
Skimmer Wyvern: Their long, narrow wings allows the skimmer wyvern to stay aloft for countless hours at a time. Flying over the surface of Proxima b's oceans, they use their modified beaks to skim the water's surface for small prey. Though found all across the shores of the oceans, they nest on the edge of the inner region to avoid most predators.
Axehead Wyvern: A small and relatively common species, the axehead wyvern specialize in hunting springers native to the middle region.
Kite Wyvern: A relatively new species, kite wyverns have lost all of their teeth and replaced them with baleen-like structures to filter shallow water for small organisms. The underside of their wings and tails are vibrantly colored which they display by jumping high in the air and hovering momentarily like brightly colored kites (hence the name). This display is used to attract mates and startle would be predators.
Blood Springer: This species is Proxima B's version of a mosquito. They cling to their prey with claws and an adhesive tail as their proboscis penetrates the skin to draw blood. With the slightest sense of danger they spring away from their hosts with their powerful hind legs.
Sequoia Fans are the largest and longest lived Fan species reaching heights up to 115.8m and lifespans lasting thousands of earth years. Each Fan is locked in a never-ending competition for sunlight in the habitable region with the least exposure to the sun. This competition, however, is hardly noticed as the Fans movement is incredibly slow to conserve energy with the exception of developing fans growing rabidly to adulthood. Just as the Willow Fans in the middle region, the Sequoia Fans produce edible pods to be eaten so their seeds can be widely dispersed.
Snow Shoveler: Though significantly smaller than their cousins the Land Whales, Snow Shovelers are the largest inhabitants of the Outer Region at around 6m in length. Like living snowplows they drive through the snow with their harden, spade-shaped heads propelled by their twelve powerful limbs. As they move they us their baleen to filer out organic particles in the snow, occasionally swallowing larger objects such as carcasses whole.
Feathered Lopers: Much larger than their distant, arthropod relatives the Springers, Feathered Lopers developed a pseudo internal skeleton for support and lost most of their outer shell except for on their backs and heads. They did retain their feathery structures (hence their name) which they use for intimidation and mating display. Feathered Lopers feed on the liquids that flow through the Sequoia Fans which they expose with their freed fore limbs and extract with their probosces. Lacking significant amounts of fur and blubber, Feathered Lopers keep warm primarily through blood thinners and remaining constantly active though they huddle together during particularly cold bursts of wind.
Night Pooka: Very similar to the Clover Pooka from the Middle Region, the Night Pooka differs only in biofluorescent color and patterns and larger incisors. Those incisors are used to gnaw through the thick epidermis of Sequoia fans to make burrows for themselves. Social by necessity, several Night Pookas cooperate in forming burrows while others keep watch for predators. In a finished burrow the Night Pookas will raise there young while feeding on fluids deep inside the Sequoia fans.
Night Wyvern: An Owl-like species of Wyvern, the Night Wyverns are the primary predators of the Night Pookas. They cling to the sides of Sequoia fans constantly on the look out for prey activity. Once potential prey is detected, they slowly move to a suitable vantage point before launching themselves toward their target.
Strangler Fan: A parasitic species of Fan, Strangler Fans gain most of their nutrients from the branches of Sequoia Fans. Branches that are hosts for Strangler Fans are deprived of fruiting bodies as a result. When one of the Strangler Fans' tendrils fails to grasp to a branch, it meters with the tendril of another Strangler Fan which in turn sprouts tendrils. This process creates a vast network that spreads across the canopy of the Sequoia Fan forests, creating an ecosystem of it's own.
Micro Pooka: The smallest species of Pooka, no larger than Earth mice, Micro Pookas are completely dependent of the Strangler Fans. They feed of the Strangler Fans' fruiting bodies and create nests where tendrils converge. Strangler Fans in return depend on the Micro Pookas to spread across the Sequoia Fan canopy.
Wooly Springer: This species of springer is so name for the extra hairs that cover their limbs, keeping them warm during colder periods. They feed on the fluids of the Strangler Fans and act as a primary food source for the canopy's predators.
Canopy Crawler: A distant relative of springers, Canopy Crawler is a major predatory on the canopy. Like spiders on Earth, Canopy Crawlers spin webs across the gaps formed between Strangler Fan tendrils. These webs allow Canopy Crawlers to traverse to Strangler Fan network and catch prey that falls into them, most often Wooly Springers. If given the opportunity, they will catch any Micro Pooka that draws to close to the edge of their webs. Canopy Crawlers are remarkably social for invertebrates, huddling together during cooler periods and even sharing food with those who are unsuccessful in finding a meal. Along with huddling, they survive the cold thanks to blood thinners and a lower metabolism which also gives them the element of unpredictability when hunting prey.
Proxima Centaurians
Native to the Outer Region, the Proxima Centaurians are related to predators such as the Drakes, Kurs, and Cockatrices and comparable in size to the later. Like more of their family, the Proxima Centaurian's first and last pair of limbs a used for general locomotion. However, they can assume both a quadrupedal and bipedal position as a result of their arboreal lifestyle. The middle pairs have been modified for gliding among the Sequoia Fans. Powerful claws grant the Proxima Centaurians great mobility across Sequoia Fans. Though very similar in appearances, females are distinguished from males by their smaller chins and canine teeth as well as larger chest slit where their reproductive organs are stored.
Being active hunters, the technology of Proxima Centaurians is mostly comprised of parts of the animals they hunt. Some of their earliest tech are huts and clothing made form Snow Shovelers. Traditionally they used spears made from Fans and arm mounted crossbows but they eventually recognized meteorites that litter the inner areas of the night side as a valuable resource. Over time, they developed hunting knives and spear riffles to make hunting more efficient. Proxima Centaurians who migrated inward to the planet's dayside crafted boats for further exploration of their world.
