Epsie

The Epsilons, more commonly known as Epsies, are a sapient, spacefaring species which resemble giant centipedes. They developed space flight before Humans.

Biology
Epsies are centipede-like creatures with long, vertically-flattened bodies and insectoid mouth parts. The first third of their body length is usually held upright when they're not walking. When relaxed, their legs ripple. Their diet is carnivorous. Their central nervous system extends along the rippling sides of their bodies, which stiffen instinctively when they're answering difficult questions. The sensation provoked by this reaction appears to be a pleasant one, as the Epsies enjoy being asked questions. They reproduce rarely and give birth to a huge number of offspring, which become independent quickly.

The Epsie homeworld has slightly higher gravity than Earth and an atmospheric composition that can induce hallucinations in Humans.

Culture and society
Epsies evolved to move between the layers of jagged purplish shale which dominates the terrain of their home planet. Although this lifestyle is long gone, their modern architecture still reflects it, with buildings made out of narrow spaces and doors hinged at the top. They decorate themselves in metallic ornaments. As a spacefaring civilisation, they have colonized several worlds to deal with an ever-increasing population, and have domesticated non-sapient species to serve as food.

Appearances

 * Memoirs of a Spacewoman, by Naomi Mitchison (1962)