anthropod

An anthropod is a term that can refer to a fictional creature possessing characteristics of both humans and arthropods. These fictional beings often appear in science fiction and fantasy literature, film, and games. The term itself is a portmanteau of "anthropomorphic," meaning having human characteristics, and "arthropod," a phylum of invertebrate animals that includes insects, arachnids, myriapods, and crustaceans.

The appearance of an anthropod can vary greatly depending on the creator's imagination. Some might have the general body shape of a human but with exoskeletons, multiple limbs, antennae, or compound eyes. Others could be more insectoid or arachnid in form, but exhibit human-like intelligence, emotions, and social structures. These creatures are often used to explore themes of evolution, alien life, or the blurring lines between different forms of existence. The specific traits and behaviors attributed to anthropods are entirely dependent on the narrative context in which they are presented. They are a product of creative storytelling rather than biological classification.