Titinians

The Titinians were a fictional species of humanoid aliens introduced in the *Doctor Who* television series, first appearing in the 1976 serial *The Android Invasion*. They were depicted as a highly advanced, insectoid civilization originating from the planet Titania, located in the Andromeda Galaxy.

Physically, Titinians were characterized by their elongated, segmented bodies, multiple limbs, and large, compound eyes. Their society was structured around a rigid caste system, with the upper caste consisting of the ruling elite known as the "Overlords," while the lower caste, referred to as "Unders," performed laborious tasks. The species was known for its technological prowess, particularly in bioengineering and cybernetics, which they used to create androids resembling humans.

The Titinians played a significant role in the serial *The Android Invasion*, where they sought to invade Earth by deploying their android duplicates of human beings. Their invasion was thwarted by the Fourth Doctor, who destroyed their ship and exposed their plans. The species was later referenced in other *Doctor Who* stories, though they did not appear again.

Their design and themes reflected the Cold War-era anxieties about artificial intelligence, mass deception, and societal control. The Titinians were often compared to other insectoid alien species in science fiction, such as the Zygons or the Krenim, due to their physical and societal traits. Despite their limited appearances, they remain a notable example of the diverse alien species explored in *Doctor Who*.