Haterakan

Haterakans, a.k.a. Hateraks or Hatracks, are a sapient, spacefaring species of lobster-like aliens from the planet Haterak, a pale green world with multiple moons orbiting a large blue star.

Biology
Haterakans are tall, crustacean-like creatures with segmented bodies, four arms, four spidery legs, vestigial wings, and numerous quills growing from their bright red exoskeletons. Their upper pair of arms protrudes from behind the neck, bends vertically and terminates in large crab-like claws or chelae which are strong enough to bend duraloy with ease. The lower arms bend horizontally and end in a cluster of boneless worm-like fingers, useful for manipulating tools. The first pair of legs is longer than the second pair. Their eyes are large and extrudable, but have no lids and cannot be closed. On the top of their heads there is a ridge that projects backwards, forming a single horn or spike. The mouth is located between a pair of thorned hooks.

Haterakans are extraordinarily fast, to the point that running a hundred-yard dash in 10 seconds is considered a miserable performance by them. They are also versatile creatures, able to operate underwater, on land, under sand, and even in space. They can see into the infrared spectrum.

There are certain sounds, smells and combinations of colors which, although harmless to Humans, have an agonizing effect on Haterakans, to the point that they can be used as a form of torture.

Culture and society
Haterakans are a spacefaring civilization and seem to have no qualms about eating other sapients, or raising them as food. Like most species, individual Haterakans can behave with hostility or become trusted allies and friends, depending on circumstances.

Haterakans typically wear elaborated body paint. Individuals in positions of authority may also wear clothes.

Appearances

 * Retief and the Warlords, by Keith Laumer (1968)