Saihurgu

The Saihurgus are a race of insectoid aliens, resembling wasps and hornets of Earth. They are native to the planet Hala. Males gain the ability to fly in their last instar, females are normally larger and have smaller antennae. Saihurg lineages vary greatly, and many adapt physically, as well as culturally to their environment. Though they do have interplanetary travel, they are virtually tied to their homeworld.

## Culture

### Social Structure

Females are larger, and usually more dominant than males, though males usually guard a colony. Sterile females hunt and protect a colony, and normally never leave the family, but males may regularly become loners, where they spend their lives constantly on the move. The mother of the family is normally the highest ranking, as her safety is prioritized by her partner as well, though both parents are seen with equal priority and authority by the other members of the family.

### Religion

Little is known about the religous aspects of many cultures, thought it is known that many religions of the saihurg people encompass principles of reincarnation. In the case of the silver tundra tribes, among the most touched on in the series, reincarnation had a close relationship to the reincarnation vessel; a large, stingray like form that holds the soul during the period it takes for the equilibrium of the new physical form and its compatability to hold a soul to finally be in harmony with one another. Because of the roles of reincarnation, death Is seen by the saihurg people much differently that those of Earth(though different cultures of each world may also view the idea differently amongst themselves).

## Appearance and Biology

Though the variation amongst the saihurg people is an evolutionary rabbit hole, the basic saihurg body plan is relatively straight forward. This includes a mobile head, and a thoracic region more comparable in structure to a bird than an insect, with a fused abdominal section. Their body is covered mostly by an exoskeleton, though they have many almost endoskeleton like structures within their body that provides primary support. 4 walking legs, the first 2 can grasp relatively well. 2 forelegs, each with 2 toes and a large hooked claw, possibly an ancestral digging tool among many lineages. Under the head, they have 2 small arms, each with a simple grasping pincer at the end, ysd for delicate tasks. Two arms on the back are heavily muscular, and usually cryptically patterned. In males, these become wings later in life. Males don't develope a sequel desire until the second to last instar, and are seen as sexually undesirable by most until they reach their winged adult form. Females remain sterile until they reach their adult form, though this form has no wings, and anatomical changes aren't as exaggerated.

## Powers and Abilities

### Powers

The versatility of their biology, and early ancestral species, mean this species didnt give up most abilities to be sentient. Ability to detect single molecules with well refined olfactory systems, and to see various types of light beyond the visible spectrum of humans. How many has not yet been confirmed. They too have the ability to use echolocation if practiced, though only some cultures normalize such practices to an extant it's exceptionally useful.

* complex eyesight/nightvision
* armor
* tool use
* polymorphism
* flight(males of most species)

### Weaknesses

With the exception of those native to warmer climates, many from colder climates can overheat in high temperatures.

* respiratory system
* heat
* sharp hormonal shifts depending on season
* molting

## Miscellaneous

### Type of Government

Most groups are founded by a family, and though large in numbers, are related individuals with the mother and father holding the highest rank. Some are more or less run by an unrelated individual that may be chosen, or have their authority gained by force. This is quite rare, however, as these types of governments suffer frequent fluctuations due to the many conflicts that arise.

### Level of Technology

This varies as much as it does in the human world. Some, like the species known derogitorily as "the takers," and the subspecies represented by Kenji, are highly advanced, with levels of tech that put some of earth's greatest engineers to shame, while some like the people of the southern coasts live very simple lives with most tech in the form of tools to create weapons, ceremonial clothing and gather food.

### Notable Representatives

* Sasha/Alex
* Kenji
* Vithu
* Mr. Jessi
* "The chief's son"
* Farra