Dhatris

Dhatris are a fictional species featured in the science fiction novel "Children of Time" by Adrian Tchaikovsky. They are an arachnid species, resembling large spiders, who have evolved a sophisticated civilization on the planet Shel-Ghali. The Dhatris are characterized by their collective intelligence, communicated through a complex pheromonal language. They have a matriarchal society, with females playing the dominant roles in their social structure.

The Dhatris possess advanced technological capabilities, particularly in bio-engineering and nanotechnology, which they use to shape their environment and enhance their own biology. They are a deeply curious and adaptive species, driven by a desire to understand the universe and their place within it. Their society is organized into various castes, each with specialized roles, contributing to the overall functioning and advancement of their civilization.

In the narrative of "Children of Time," the Dhatris are one of the primary non-human species encountered by the last remnants of humanity. Their interactions with humans are complex, marked by initial misunderstanding and conflict, but also by a growing sense of mutual respect and eventual cooperation. The Dhatris represent an alien perspective on intelligence, society, and evolution, offering a unique counterpoint to human experience. Their development and societal evolution are a significant thematic element of the novel.