Hravals

Hravals are a fictional species featured in the science fiction novel "Children of Time" by Adrian Tchaikovsky. They are an insectoid, sentient species that evolved on the planet Terminus. Hravals are characterized by their advanced biological engineering capabilities, which they use to adapt and evolve their own physiology and that of other species. They possess a complex societal structure, with different castes or roles that contribute to the collective good. Their reproduction is complex and involves multiple generations and specialized individuals. Hravals communicate through a combination of pheromonal signals and complex sonic clicks. They are known for their patient, long-term planning and their ability to exploit and manipulate biological processes for their advantage. The species' development is a central theme in the novel, as they interact with and eventually come into conflict with the last remnants of humanity. Their evolutionary path is presented as an alternative to human development, highlighting different approaches to intelligence and societal organization. The Hravals' distinct biology and culture provide a unique alien perspective within the narrative.