8 Real Animals that Inspired the Design of the Xenomorph
Sometimes reality is just as terrifying as fiction
Ridley’s Scott’s 1979 science fiction horror movie “Alien” is a beloved sci-fi classic. A simple plot, gorgeous visuals, sympathetic characters, and a very memorable creature design.
Swiss artist Hans Ruedi Giger was brought on board to design the monster. His style of art focusses on mixing cybernetic technology with sexually provocative organic forms.
In 1986, James Cameron made a phenomenally good sequel with “Aliens”, which expanded the Xenomorph lore and introduced the Alien queen.
There have been several more movies based on the franchise, including two Predator crossover films, each of which brings something new to the aliens.
In this article, we will look at some real animals that inspired the design and life cycle of the xenomorphs. We’ll look at one particular aspect of the organism and see how it was used to create one of the most terrifying monsters in all of cinema.
1. Sphex Wasp
This wasp immobilises its prey and lays its eggs inside. When they hatch, the larvae eat their way out while their host is still alive. *shiver*
2. Bombardier Beetle
When attacked, this member of the Coleoptera order squirts a couple of chemicals out of its rear which react upon contact to form a noxious and boiling liquid. Not technically an acid, but a great defence mechanism.
3. Moray Eel
These fish have a second set of jaws inside their mouths that helps them pull prey inside.
4. Dragonfly Larva
The juveniles feast on things likesmall fish and tadpoles, that they catch with an extensible jaw that lunges outwards at lightning speed.
5. Scorpion
These members of the arachnid family use their tails as weapons. They have a stinger with which to impale and stun their prey.
6. Sea spider
These giant arachnids live in the frigid waters off Antarctica. I certainly wouldn’t want one of those wrapped around my head, penetrating my mouth with a wriggly ovipositor.
7. Cicada
These are arthropods, and therefore have their skeleton on the outside, called an exoskeleton, made of tough but flexible chitin. In order to grow, they must regularly shed their skin, leaving behind a dry husk.
8. Phronima
These crustaceans may be small and live in the open water of the oceans, but they are still terrifying. They live inside the hollowed out bodies of barrel-shaped salps, where they lay their many eggs. Yuck!
Eight disgusting creatures that inspired the design of the xenomorph, which has terrified audiences for nearly forty years. Our world is filled with horrific parasites and predators with a wide range of hunting, feasting, and breeding strategies. If you’re a writer or artist looking for inspiration for the next nightmarish creature design, just pick up a book on arthropods.
