As an observer of this environment, I can only bring to it what I already know of my own life and world to this work. Most animal classification is based on what you might know as Biological Classification following Linnaean taxonomy – in which organisms are placed into orders and kingdoms based on familiar traits. In some cases I might refer to certain organisms as something they might resemble more than most. For example I might refer to something as a large arthropod because it shares characteristics with what I might be familiar with as an arthropod in my own life. This does not, however, make my observation concrete, as I am only able to observe most organisms from a distance and am not able perform biopsy to determine such claims.
If I may ask, what are your ideas about Solturna as a worldbuilder… do you consider it an alien planet or an alternate earth? Or have you left it more open to interpretation?
Ben, I had started out with it being an alien planet, although its taking on a lot of characteristics of earth. It’s somewhat open as of now; Im letting the project tell me what it wants to be. There could be changes to the context of all of this soon but I can’t say exactly yet. Thanks for the question!
“I had started out with it being an alien planet, although its taking on a lot of characteristics of earth. It’s somewhat open as of now; I’m letting the project tell me what it wants to be.”
Very intriguing statement. Some food for thought: A few years back, an evolutionary biologist (his name escapes me now) made the remark (paraphrasing)–If evolution was restarted on earth, life would look nothing like it does now.
A. David, Thank you, and yes I’ve heard that as well. I always think about that when I create my animals and I tend to think I’m being too familiar in my designs. Its a very interesting statement and it makes me wonder of all the ways we could have ended up here on earth! Thanks for the thoughts!
Hey,
Don’t mind me asking but when will you post your next one?
(soon please!)
I’m hoping soon. The new website is taking some time to build and I have other projects I’m currently working on. Perhaps at the end of next week?
I stumbled across this site and i usually just look through and enjoy the content and move on, but this is exactly what I’ve always wanted to do, I was wondering if there was some type of forum or concept/idea section where readers can help inspire ideas and such.
If there is one can someone direct me?
If not, I highly suggest one, even if you want to do this entirely on your own, it may just be fun to see what people come up with and add some depth to your site
Jason,
Thank you for looking through the work! I’m glad you enjoy it. Currently, I don’t have a place for species suggestions. Viewers are welcome to suggest ideas in posts as of now. I don’t plan on setting up a forum just yet but I may expand this blog once the new website is launched. Perhaps viewers can then comment on progress sketches and help give suggestions for what the species could end up like or even new species as the site will be more of a log of progress of what I’m working on. There will also be a facebook fan page for The Morae River soon as well. I hope this answers your question. Thanks again
I plan on becoming a fan, this is great, I’m constantly drawing imaginary species and such (trying to become a concept artist) and this has inspired me to draw more.
Thank you Jason, I really appreciate your support.
Thats awesome, keep at it! Now I’m inspired! 
This is a very interesting project. I’m hoping it will expand to something great. I also hope we are able to give you our ideas as well.
Not to be a bother or anything but I noticed that the scientific name isn’t properly structured, such that the first letter in the first name has to be capitalised while the others are in lowercase. The second name is to be lowercase only. And both would need to be italicised. Example would be Mardik mardik.
Sorry if it seemed like I’m making a fuss but I think I would just mention it.
Thank you very much! I appreciate the tip about the classification! I always need help with that sort of thing as I am in no way a biologist. Sorry it took me a bit to receive your comment – it ended up in spam for some reason
Thanks again
Hey Hey, No worries. Glad to be of help. (:
Aloha, I stumbled across your amazing artwork while cruising the web tonight and I was completely blown away by your art and concepts. For the last 4 years I have been working on my first book named “Darwin 325.”
My story is placed on an alternate Earth that is filled with odd but slightly familiar animals. I agree with a past post I read about how different the animals would be if the Earth started over again. Your art is exactly the ideas of what I thought those animals might look like. I am so glad to see your creations express my dreams. Thanks for the inspiration to write my next book, Aloha
Why thank you Chris! I’m very pleased to know you like the work. Good luck with your book – it sounds exciting!
I offer this classification (phylum, class, order, family, genus, Species):
Balandic Cula: sceleta, galatheria (from Greek “gala” meaning milk), predata, culadiae, culas, C. balandios
Banded Terrinsc: sceleta, galatheria, riparia (coastal), longicauda (long tailed), barbatae, natatomontis, N. barbatus
Black Mardik: sceleta, galatheria, predata, pernixae, mardik (the same for Red-Tailed Mardik), M. mardik
Gigatus: flexapoda, euinsecta, memnarchidae, gigateae, silvanus, S. sileo
Greater Fugamus: sceleta, galatheria, rosumia, currerae, fugamus, F. grandis
Blue-Throated Hulompolus: sceleta, ovasauria, plicaterga (fold-skinned), barduspedae, hulompolus, H. minor
Mountain Uru: (the size image is lost, so I post only basic classification) sceleta, galatheria…
Sabulo: sceleta, polypoda, perkaformes (means the same thing), iracundiae, fluvialis, F. regnator
Spotted Bufodd: flexapoda, euinsecta, subterlus, pappomuscae, columnarius, C. alatus
Like so %)
You can also use “lactitheria” for mammals if you like Latin more than Greek % )
Hey i just visited your site for the first time and i really liked it, i bookmarked it and will be back