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==Physiology and Biology==
The inhabitants of the planet [[Vespid]] are a bipedal, vaguely insectoid race which have a sturdy chitinous exoskeletal barbed armour that encases their bodies. They stand somewhat taller than the average human and appear to be much faster, due to the chitinous wing-like protrusions on their backs which emit a ultrasonic tone, which they use to control and modulate their technology. They have three pairs of eyes running in two lateral lines down their faces, one perceives the ultraviolet range, the second perceives the normal visible spectrum, and the last sees the infra-red. The females are larger.{{Fn|2}}
While capable of flight, Vespid wings should not grant them this ability according to the [[Imperial]] understanding of aerodynamics.{{Fn|2}}
==Society==
Because the Vespid language is so complex (presumably because of their complex mouths) and only the Strain Leaders are given the apparatus to translate their language to their Tau allies.{{Fn|1}}{{Fn|2}}
Stingwing Strains are highly sought after in [[Tau]] [[Fire Warrior]] [[Cadre]]s because of their high level of maneuverability. They are often used by Tau commanders alongside [[Crisis Battlesuit]]s or used in a scouting role, backing up [[Tau Pathfinder|Pathfinder]]s. In the Tau language they are referred to as "Mal'kor," which comes from "Mal" meaning insect and "kor" meaning air.{{Fn|2}}
The Vespid warriors, called '''Stingwings''', form tactical units referred to as ''Strains''. Each Strain is lead by a Strain leader.{{Fn|1}}
[[File:Vespid Stingwing.jpg|thumb|right|180px|A Vespid Stingwing Strain Leader{{Fn|5}}]]
==Technology==
The Vespids' technology is based around exotic crystals only found on the bottom of the floating islands of their homeworld, which they manipulate with the ultrasonic sounds manipulated from their wings.{{Fn|2}}
From the Tau, they have gained armor and weaponry, and a [[Vespid Communion Helm]] that enables them to more freely communicate with other races (as their own language is extremely complex and for the most part inimitable). Their weapons are a mixture of Tau technology and Vespid resources, which enables them to act as specialist against heavily armored troops (specifically the Space Marines, whom the Tau have always had problems fighting against).{{Fn|1}}{{Fn|2}}
The [[Neutron Blaster]] the Vespid Stingwings carry is a unique blending of [[Tau]] technology and the unstable radioactive crystals that the Vespids mine. The energy harnessed from the crystal allows the weapon to strip atoms off of the target. Due to the Vespids' wings creating different harmonic resonances within the crystal, they are the only creatures able to wield the Neutron Blaster effectively.{{Fn|1}}{{Fn|2}}
In terms of their own technology, the closest thing that has so far been recognized is their own wings. It is unclear yet just how their wings are used, whether they are flexible enough to oscillate fast enough or are capable of ejecting fluid or plasma to produce lift, is yet to be ascertained. In either eventuality they are capable of flight and are often deployed onto the battle field from the air, enabling them to join the battle in the most suitable location.{{Fn|2}}
The Vespids have stalactite-like [[Nest Vessel]] spacecraft, which they used as auxiliaries in the [[Farsight Expedition]]'s [[Grand Reclamation Fleet]].{{Fn|6}}
==See Also==
*[[List of sentient species]]
==Sources==
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Codex: Tau Empire (4th Edition)]], pg. 16
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Deathwatch: Mark of the Xenos]], pgpgs. 26-27
*{{Endn|3}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20151113063103/http://www.games-workshop.com/en-US/Tau-Empire-Vespid-Stingwings Games Workshop Webstore: Vespid Stingwings] ''(saved archive page, dated 13 November 2015, last accessed 24 January 2023)''
*4: [[Codex: Tau Empire (7th Edition)]]:
