Bygien

Bygien is a fictional species featured in the science fiction novel "Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir. They are an intelligent, sapient extraterrestrial life form encountered by the protagonist, Ryland Grace. The Bygien are depicted as large, quadrupedal beings with a segmented body structure, reminiscent of insects, but with a more advanced and alien physiology. Their biology is fundamentally different from terrestrial life, notably their reliance on a different form of energy metabolism that allows them to thrive in environments that would be lethal to humans.

The Bygien communicate through a complex system of clicks and vibrations, which Ryland Grace eventually learns to interpret with the help of a specialized translation device. Their society is characterized by a strong sense of community and a shared purpose, driven by the existential threat facing their home world. Despite their alien appearance and initial communication barriers, the Bygien prove to be capable allies, demonstrating a capacity for cooperation and a deep understanding of scientific principles. Their appearance is described as dark and chitinous, with multiple limbs and a distinct head structure. The novel explores the challenges and rewards of interspecies communication and collaboration through the interactions between Ryland Grace and the Bygien.