This real-world creature is exceptionally alien in looks; I have, in my fiction, assumed it is indeed of extra-terrestrial origin, a creature brought along with one of the many waves of alien occupation which predate the advent of Humans.
From this, I extrapolate a whole ecosystem, perhaps common on certain distant planets, where such a bizarre critter would be quite ordinary.
To quote the talented artist Ray Troll, "This little worm-like animal is one of the most notorious creatures from the Burgess Shale. Named for its hallucinatory looks, scientists have had a vexing time figuring out which way is up. Hedging my bets, I've drawn it both ways. Latest findings indicate it is an armored lobopod with rows of seven spikes down its back."
SEE Ray Troll's hallucigenia painting (and other great creatures) at his wonderfully illustraited website, trollart.com, which SEE.
SEE my Caltrop Worms for sample, common hallucigenia beasties.
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