Egediks

Egediks are a fictional species featured in the science fiction novel "Children of Time" by Adrian Tchaikovsky. They are an insectoid race that evolves independently on the planet Xeno while humanity is attempting to terraform it. Egediks are characterized by their collective consciousness and their sophisticated understanding of biology and genetics, which they develop through their unique evolutionary path.

The species is not a single monolithic entity but rather a diverse collection of individuals with distinct roles. They communicate through complex chemical signals and pheromones, allowing for rapid and efficient information sharing across their population. This communal mind grants them remarkable problem-solving abilities and a deep interconnectedness. Their society is structured around the advancement of knowledge and the betterment of their species as a whole, rather than individual ambition.

Egediks possess a form of bio-engineering that allows them to manipulate their own DNA and that of other organisms. This capability is central to their survival and development, enabling them to adapt to environmental changes and create specialized biological tools. Their physical form is described as being somewhat insect-like, with exoskeletons and multiple limbs, though their exact appearance can vary due to their biological malleability. Their interactions with the human protagonists are a significant part of the narrative, highlighting the vast differences in intelligence, motivation, and societal structure between the two species.