Zarbi

The Zarbi are a species of Human-sized insectoids resembling bipedal black ants native to the planet Vortis in the Isop Galaxy. Despite their hive society, they are regarded (at least by the Menoptera) as non-sapient creatures devoid of intelligence and individuality, and communicate by rubbing their legs producing loud sounds like a grasshopper. They also share their communities with creatures known as Larvae Guns, which might represent their larval stages or a different morphological caste, or even an unrelated but symbiotic species which simply shares homes with them.

After the fungoid Animus came to Vortis she took control of the minds of the Zarbi and the Larvae Guns and used them to drive the intelligent Menoptera off the planet. When the Animus was destroyed with the help of the Doctor, the Zarbi slaves were freed and lived alongside the Menoptera in peace again.

Appearances

 * Doctor Who, season 2, The Web Planet (1965)