Hov's'sa

The Hov's'sa are an extinct extraterrestrial civilization native to planet Rho Bentharis II in Orion's Arm.

Anatomy and physiology
A Hov's'sa exhibits bilateral symmetry and is covered in a blue exoskeleton. The five pairs of jointed limbs are all different; making the mouthparts, sand-probe or supports, defensive claws, manipulator arms and bottom-hopping legs.

Biochemistry
Hov's'sa genetic material, along with that of their native biosphere, is based on a poorly-studied crystal-protein complex. The presence of proteins and being aquatic imply carbon-based biochemistry. Metabolism is heterotrophic and uses fermentation for catabolism.

Reproduction
Hov's'sa are eusocial but lack a king-queen caste, unlike many terrestrial arthropods. The breeder chastes, which have no distinct sexes, bear forager and soldier chaste. Which chaste an offspring belongs is determined by incubation temperature.

Psychology
The Hov's'sa have been described as eusocial, extremely religious and strongly spiritual.

Religion and belief systems
The Hov's'sa worship a Volcanic god.

History
Their period of prominence is called the Hovssian epoch, lasting from 325 to 312 million years before present.