vempids

Vempids are a fictional species featured in the science fiction novel "Project Hail Mary" by Andy Weir. They are an extraterrestrial, silicon-based life form originating from the planet Erid. Vempids are characterized by their gelatinous, translucent bodies, which allow them to absorb and process light energy for sustenance. They possess a rudimentary form of intelligence and communicate through bioluminescent pulses emitted from within their bodies.

The Vempids are an ancient species, having evolved over millions of years in the harsh, low-light environment of Erid. Their physiology is adapted to survive extreme temperatures and pressures, and they reproduce asexually through a process of budding. In the novel, Vempids are encountered by the protagonist, Ryland Grace, who is on a mission to save Earth from an alien organism that is consuming the sun's energy. Grace must find a way to communicate with and potentially enlist the help of the Vempids, whose own planet is also threatened by the same alien entity. Their unique biology and evolutionary path present significant challenges for interspecies communication and understanding.