Martian (Known Space)

Martians are a sapient, reclusive species of short, goblin-like, eyeless bipeds which live in a hidden subterranean civilization on the planet Mars. Their bodies react explosively when in contact with water.

Their technology includes spears and the ability to carve diamonds.

Martians were rendered extinct after Jack Brennan sent an ice-rich asteroid to hit their planet, which raised the amount of water in the atmosphere.

Appearances

 * "Eye of an Octopus", by Larry Niven (1966) (mummified remains only)
 * "How the Heroes Die", by Larry Niven (1966)
 * "At the Bottom of a Hole", by Larry Niven (1966)
 * Protector, by Larry Niven (1973)