The “Treebugs”, whose designs are still subject to some tinkering right now.
The grex emerged from the hybridization of two moderately related “flowerfly” species approximately ~7200 years ago, shockingly recent compared to the evolutionary history of other species. Like other flowerflies the Grex themselves are only the female gametophytes of their species, their society is heavily built on the maintainence and protection of their large sporophyte “mother trees” as well as their immobile gametophyte males
Despite centuries of contact the species’ cultures are among the most impenetrable and poorly understood. Partly from a lack of clear centralization, the closest thing analogous to government are networks of couriers, communication and distribution “guilds” in their society bridging their various industries. Partly from individuals short lifespan results in quick cultural shifts( traditionally at around 15 years of age they become sexually reproductive and die, advances in medicine have extended their lifespan into their 20s).
Despite their keen senses of hearing, grex languages are typically signed using the position and movement of their modified antenna-like forewings. Relying on echolocation at night and in their often unlit building interiors, the grex just as often hear their “visual” language as much as see it.
