In the fantastical world of Lost on Infinity, where extinct creatures come to life, one character stands out for his tireless dedication and unique form—Arthur Pleura, the Billipede. As the overworked and many-legged clerk to The Registrar, Arthur meticulously checks in newly extinct creatures on the Island of Infinity, ensuring every arrival is accurately recorded. But who is Arthur Pleura, and what inspired his creation? The answer lies in the prehistoric giant, Arthropleura armata.

The Real-Life Inspiration for our Character

Arthur Pleura’s character is inspired by Arthropleura armata, an enormous millipede-like creature. It was around during the Carboniferous period, around 300 million years ago. This ancient invertebrate is renowned for being the largest land-dwelling invertebrate ever discovered.

Physical Characteristics

Arthropleura armata was a formidable sight, with an elongated body reaching lengths of up to 8 feet (2.44 m) and widths approaching 2 feet (0.6 meters). Its segmented body was covered in articulated armoured plates, providing both protection and flexibility. These plates likely served as a defence mechanism against predators and environmental hazards. Despite its massive size, Arthropleura was relatively lightweight for its length, weighing close to 110 pounds (50 kilograms).

The Many-Legged Marvel

One of Arthropleura’s most remarkable features was its multitude of legs. With between 32 and 64 jointed legs, it was well-adapted for traversing the dense, swampy forests of its time. These numerous legs provided stability and mobility, allowing Arthropleura to navigate the challenging terrain of the Carboniferous period with ease.

Habitat and Diet

Arthropleura thrived in the lush, humid forests that characterized its era. These environments, rich in plant life, provided ample food sources for this giant invertebrate. While it is widely believed that Arthropleura was primarily herbivorous, feeding on decaying plant matter and possibly smaller invertebrates, its sheer size and appearance made it a formidable presence in its ecosystem.

Extinction and Legacy

Despite its dominance during the Carboniferous period, Arthropleura eventually went extinct. Changes in climate and habitat, along with the rise of new predators and competitors, likely contributed to its decline. However, the legacy of Arthropleura endures in the fossil record, offering scientists invaluable insights into the diversity and complexity of prehistoric life.

From Spider to Billipede: A Necessary Promotion

In Lost on Infinity, Arthur Pleura inherits the physical traits and imposing presence of his prehistoric ancestor. Originally, the role of Check-In clerk was filled by a prehistoric spider, whose eight legs were initially sufficient for managing arrivals on Infinity. However, as the number of newly extinct creatures increased, the spider’s eight legs could no longer handle the workload, leading to potential disruptions.

Recognizing the need for a more capable clerk, Arthur Pleura was promoted. As a reincarnation of the ancient Arthropleura armata, Arthur brought with him a distinct advantage—between 32 and 64 jointed legs. These legs enabled him to manage the influx of creatures with speed and efficiency, meeting the growing administrative demands.

The Seaweed Sheets and the Role of the Billipede

Arthur’s primary responsibility is to check Colonel Utensil’s Seaweed Sheets—meticulously prepared lists that document each newly extinct creature arriving at Infinity Island. With his many legs, Arthur can swiftly scan, stamp, and sort through the endless pages, ensuring accurate logging and accounting of every creature. His work is crucial to maintaining order on the island; without Arthur’s diligence, chaos could ensue, and creatures might find themselves lost once again.

Despite the immense responsibility, Arthur performs his duties with a mix of competence and weariness. The volume of work and the coordination required to manage his many legs make his job both physically and mentally taxing. Yet, Arthur remains committed, knowing his role is essential to the smooth operation of Infinity Island.

Symbolism and Endurance

Arthur Pleura’s character in Lost on Infinity symbolizes endurance and dedication in a world where chaos often looms. By drawing inspiration from the real-life Arthropleura armata, the creators of Lost on Infinity have crafted a character that bridges the gap between ancient history and imaginative fiction. Arthur’s massive form and armoured body serve as a reminder of the resilience of his ancient counterpart, while his many legs allow him to manage the island’s complex ecosystem with precision and care.

Through Arthur, and the millions of other extinct creatures on Infinity, we are reminded of the incredible diversity of life that once existed on Earth.

A FREE Audiobook Story for All the Family

We’re delighted to share that, for a limited time only, all four parts of Lost on Infinity absolutely FREE on the Apple App Store! and Google Play It’s the perfect companion for your summer travels, suitable for listeners of all ages. Download them all now and embark on an unforgettable adventure that celebrates the power of nature and the importance of protecting all living things.

Resources for Teachers and Families

Download our FREE lesson plans and slides about Extinction and Biomimicry, themes in our stories.

For even more exploration of the natural world, tune in to our “Stories, Science, and Secrets” podcast for kids.  Join Matthew, Elaine, Steve Punt and special guests, as we delve into the fascinating world of biomimicry and the inspiring ways science learns from nature’s genius.