Odalarns

Odalarns is a fictional species featured in the science fiction novel "Children of Time" by Adrian Tchaikovsky. Within the narrative, Odalarns are an advanced, sentient, insectoid species that evolved on the terraformed planet of Kern. They are characterized by their highly communal nature and their complex, hive-like social structures, which are fundamental to their society and survival.

The biology of the Odalarns is distinctly arthropod-like, with exoskeletons and multiple limbs. They possess a sophisticated understanding of their environment and have developed advanced technology, enabling them to engage in space travel and complex engineering feats. Their society is organized into distinct castes, each with specialized roles, contributing to the collective progress of their civilization.

Odalarns communicate through a combination of pheromonal signals and a form of sonic vibration, allowing for efficient and detailed information exchange within their colonies. Their worldview and ethical considerations are shaped by their evolutionary history and their deeply ingrained sense of collective responsibility. The species is portrayed as intellectually capable and driven by a desire for knowledge and expansion. Their interactions with other species, particularly humans in the novel, are a central theme, exploring the challenges and potential for understanding between vastly different forms of intelligent life.