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Tyranids are a race in the fictional Warhammer 40,000 setting, the Tyranids are a nomadic alien race comprising many genetically engineered forms. They are the "Great Devourer" and are the "most alien race" in the Imperium of Mankind. They are an "elemental force" that seeks to consume all in their path, draining all planets of any possible resource with horrific speed. Tyranids were first described in Rick Priestley's Rogue Trader, the first edition of the Warhammer 40,000. At that time, they were not an emphasized race in the game, instead representing a limited number of occasionally-encountered alien antagonists. In later editions the Tyranids became a playable race in their own right, popularized by a number of successful board games.

The Tyranids are all of a basic genetic stock, characterized by six limbs, both an endoskeleton and an exoskeleton, external skeletal features distinct from an internal skull, five carapace plates on their head and a series of spiracles on their heads and at the base of their tails. Tyranids are controlled by a gestalt metaphysical entity thought to emanate from, and exert cohesive control over, all Tyranid individuals through psychic manipulation. The Imperium calls this the "Hive Mind".

In terms of the terrestrial Tyranid's encounters with other species, generally in conflict, the Hive Mind is explained as filling the roles of social hierarchy, linguistic communication and military command and control as used by other races.


 * More about: Tyranid genetics, Warrior Genus, Tyranid Hive Fleets, Warhammer 40,000.