Mahukaris

Mahukaris are a fictional species featured in the science fiction novel "Children of Time" by Adrian Tchaikovsky. They are an advanced, insectoid race that evolved on the planet of the same name. Mahukaris possess a collective consciousness, a highly organized societal structure, and a remarkable capacity for technological advancement. Their evolution was spurred by a terraforming nanovirus, intended for a lost human expedition, which accelerated their development.

The Mahukari society is built upon a rigid caste system, with specialized roles for different types of individuals, all contributing to the collective good. They communicate through a complex system of pheromones and subtle physical gestures, allowing for instantaneous and nuanced information transfer within their group. Their physiology is characterized by multiple limbs, exoskeletons, and compound eyes, granting them unique sensory perceptions and physical capabilities.

Over generations, the Mahukaris developed sophisticated technologies, including space travel and advanced biological engineering. They are known for their pragmatism and a deep-seated instinct for survival and expansion. Their interactions with the human protagonists of the novel are often driven by a clash of ideologies and survival needs, highlighting the differences between their collective, instinctual nature and human individualism. The Mahukaris represent a unique portrayal of alien intelligence and societal development in contemporary science fiction.