The Umungi are a sapient species of insectoids from the planet Umung, about 30 light-years away from Ulugan. Their homeworld is a small planet with a thin and dry atmosphere and mostly covered in plains. It was conquered and occupied by the Ulugani.
Biology[]
Umungi are vaguely ant-like bipeds, about a meter in height. They have a pair of insectile arms and a second pair of tentacular limbs equipped with boneless fingers. The head contains mandibles and a pair of eyestalks. In addition to these, they also have a pair of much smaller eyestalks protruding from the wrists of their upper arms. These smaller eyes on their wrists are capable of microscopic vision, allowing them to see any object that they're holding in great detail. They communicate by rubbing the cilia that cover their insectile legs.
Culture and society[]
They're a highly organized species, with a strong sense of community and little individual personality. Described as "perhaps the most skillful workers in the galaxy", individual Umungi are obedient, diligent, and interested in little more than work, food and reproduction.
They're a peaceful species and, despite their obedience and organization sense, actually make poor soldiers due to their lack of initiative. They're ruled by a queen.
Appearances[]
- "Enough Rope", by Poul Anderson (1953)