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I still very much have an affinity toward monster/creature designs. When Monster Hunter World Iceborn release for PC I got exposed to so many awesome creature again I decide to bring out an old concept of mine. One revolving around parasitic and symbiotic relations, I made back in 2014 for my MLP:Firsct Contact War universe with: Hunt Relation

(PS: on PC I'm Hunting Horn Main, former Lance Main.)

My history in art has closer ties to grotesque, body horror, and grim works than may be apparent by my more recent endeavours of these last years. But it's still part of my foundation and some interest. I like all the exploration of styles and topics, tho. Heh, it's already fun even for just the juxtaposition it can creature. Cutesy worlds with grotesque monster creatures. (To be fair, MLP:FIM has plenty of fantasy stuff in it.)

I ended up sporadically working on this one throughout the past month or so. Different focus, playing with textures, skin, materials, creature anatomy, etc. Putting it a bit more in a conceptual composition, rather than illustrative dynamic scene. Easier to figure out a design when you don't have to worry about whatever dynamic pose something is also in has that may also block out half of the design to begin with.

A bit more "relaxing" project, trying to brush up on at least a few more professional approaches. Or interpretations thereof.

I'm always curious to genetic anomalies, creatures, biological possibilities, and all that stuff. Thinking up the logic behind a creature. Tho this combination in particular seemed to strike a fun balance I could keep thinking of. So I've not only haven't done dedicated creature art in a while, but written out lore for it. So I sat down more than usual to actually write at least a short bit of background information on this little beast here. (Something that could probably be done more elegant by an experienced writer)

A long standing ancient parasitic or symbiotic relationship between a parasite worm and a lizard. It most likely started out as a purely parasitic relation, only benefitting the worm, but eventually grew into a more symbiotic one where both sides now rely on the other for survival.

The worm's digestive system has evolved to consume as wide a range of nutrients as possible, which it shares with its host. In addition to this the worm is immune to most toxins, which it can carry over to the lizard.

The lizard's tough skin offers a good amount of protection and a home for the worm. Its strong legs provide mobility, and the claws can be used for defensive and offensive reasons. In emergency situations, the worm's many mandibles can also provide protection. It is said the lizard's saliva, which covers the worm's exterior portion, contains several toxins itself to help deter other creatures.

The lizard's entire digestive tract is essentially replaced by the worm's body. Fusing together and becoming one, through which it transfers nutrients to one and the other. The lizard's respiratory and blood circulatory system does most of its respective work, which is shared through the same connection the worm provides its immunity and nutrients.

The worm's mouth is lined with almost a hundred teeth-like mandibles, which it can use to slowly pry away small chunks from whatever food is within its range. Often other animals, as it's primarily carnivorous. The pair uses its large size, weight and claws to overwhelm and hold down their victims, but often does not outright kill them, as it proceeds to slowly devour them bit by bit. It is speculated the lizard's toxic saliva, covering the worm, contains paralyzing agents which are transmitted through the worm's bite.

Most of the worm's soft body sits safely inside the lizard's body. Its slightly tougher head can extend out from the lizard's mouth to help increase reach. To not get pulled out of the lizard it is lined with hundreds of forward facing barbs on the front. This also helps protect the more sensitive connections further down inside.

Some rare cases of extreme growth in the parasite has led to severe disfigurement to the lizard's body and may cause erratic violent behaviour. Which may ultimately lead to the death of both. The worm can not sustain itself anymore without the protection and mobility of the lizard, nor can the lizard without the digestive and immune system of the worm. Both have evolved to become fully reliant on each other.

Even their reproductive cycle has fused together. The worm's eggs embed themself on the lizard's eggs as nodules before they are laid. When the baby lizards break their shells, so do the nodules break. Covering the newborn lizards in parasite larvae who find their way inside to continue the cycle.

Approx Time: ?! 15~20 hours? It was so sporadic, hard to keep exact track.

Photoshop CC

Support me on my Patreon to help keep all my work possible. Every little bit is much appreciated and helps keep my art alive.
Patreon | Livestream | Youtube | Twitter

Description

I still very much have an affinity toward monster/creature designs. When Monster Hunter World Iceborn release for PC I got exposed to so many awesome creature again I decide to bring out an old concept of mine. One revolving around parasitic and symbiotic relations, I made back in 2014 for my MLP:Firsct Contact War universe with: Hunt Relation

(PS: on PC I'm Hunting Horn Main, former Lance Main.)

My history in art has closer ties to grotesque, body horror, and grim works than may be apparent by my more recent endeavours of these last years. But it's still part of my foundation and some interest. I like all the exploration of styles and topics, tho. Heh, it's already fun even for just the juxtaposition it can creature. Cutesy worlds with grotesque monster creatures. (To be fair, MLP:FIM has plenty of fantasy stuff in it.)

I ended up sporadically working on this one throughout the past month or so. Different focus, playing with textures, skin, materials, creature anatomy, etc. Putting it a bit more in a conceptual composition, rather than illustrative dynamic scene. Easier to figure out a design when you don't have to worry about whatever dynamic pose something is also in has that may also block out half of the design to begin with.

A bit more "relaxing" project, trying to brush up on at least a few more professional approaches. Or interpretations thereof.

I'm always curious to genetic anomalies, creatures, biological possibilities, and all that stuff. Thinking up the logic behind a creature. Tho this combination in particular seemed to strike a fun balance I could keep thinking of. So I've not only haven't done dedicated creature art in a while, but written out lore for it. So I sat down more than usual to actually write at least a short bit of background information on this little beast here. (Something that could probably be done more elegant by an experienced writer)

A long standing ancient parasitic or symbiotic relationship between a parasite worm and a lizard. It most likely started out as a purely parasitic relation, only benefitting the worm, but eventually grew into a more symbiotic one where both sides now rely on the other for survival.

The worm's digestive system has evolved to consume as wide a range of nutrients as possible, which it shares with its host. In addition to this the worm is immune to most toxins, which it can carry over to the lizard.

The lizard's tough skin offers a good amount of protection and a home for the worm. Its strong legs provide mobility, and the claws can be used for defensive and offensive reasons. In emergency situations, the worm's many mandibles can also provide protection. It is said the lizard's saliva, which covers the worm's exterior portion, contains several toxins itself to help deter other creatures.

The lizard's entire digestive tract is essentially replaced by the worm's body. Fusing together and becoming one, through which it transfers nutrients to one and the other. The lizard's respiratory and blood circulatory system does most of its respective work, which is shared through the same connection the worm provides its immunity and nutrients.

The worm's mouth is lined with almost a hundred teeth-like mandibles, which it can use to slowly pry away small chunks from whatever food is within its range. Often other animals, as it's primarily carnivorous. The pair uses its large size, weight and claws to overwhelm and hold down their victims, but often does not outright kill them, as it proceeds to slowly devour them bit by bit. It is speculated the lizard's toxic saliva, covering the worm, contains paralyzing agents which are transmitted through the worm's bite.

Most of the worm's soft body sits safely inside the lizard's body. Its slightly tougher head can extend out from the lizard's mouth to help increase reach. To not get pulled out of the lizard it is lined with hundreds of forward facing barbs on the front. This also helps protect the more sensitive connections further down inside.

Some rare cases of extreme growth in the parasite has led to severe disfigurement to the lizard's body and may cause erratic violent behaviour. Which may ultimately lead to the death of both. The worm can not sustain itself anymore without the protection and mobility of the lizard, nor can the lizard without the digestive and immune system of the worm. Both have evolved to become fully reliant on each other.

Even their reproductive cycle has fused together. The worm's eggs embed themself on the lizard's eggs as nodules before they are laid. When the baby lizards break their shells, so do the nodules break. Covering the newborn lizards in parasite larvae who find their way inside to continue the cycle.

Approx Time: ?! 15~20 hours? It was so sporadic, hard to keep exact track.

Photoshop CC

Support me on my Patreon to help keep all my work possible. Every little bit is much appreciated and helps keep my art alive.
Patreon | Livestream | Youtube | Twitter