Hymendia

Singular, "Hymendion"

-Epiphany, scholar of Dandoleon

Hymendion represents a select group of species and cultures, each of which derives from (or convergently emulates) ancestors with colonial social structures. Dominant traits of their modern societies include matriarchy, monarchy, and strict division of labor. Queens over each culture die shortly before Winter's arrival while their fertilized eggs remain dormant with the colony. These eggs hatch, reach maturity, and assert dominance over their contemporaries in the mere opening weeks of Summer, typically waking before the rest of the colony.
Exceptions apply in some isolated Vespican colonies, which live in small family units. These cultures only tend to congregate during fertility festivals to kick off future generations and to promote romantic relationships.

Defining Characteristics

Apidica

Apidica all rely on a matriarch, similar to their Formican cousins. While they are capable of flight in short bursts and subsist on relatively simple food, their main source of dominance comes from their development of hair and efficient heat-generating systems. Apidican colonies exit hibernation earlier than any other Hymendia species, which they can accomplish and survive thanks to unique anatomy, allowing heat generation in substitution of flight by locking their wings.
While they lack other strengths and unique adaptations, the ability to rise early makes other cultures wisely avoid their territory.

Formica

All Formican communities have a central matriarch due to their ancestral methods of propagating future generations which rely on a "queen," though not all use such formal titles. They are hairless, predominately flightless, and demonstrate high flexibility. Their natural armor develops years into their development, ensuring they remain strong enough to support it.
Formica has the most robust arsenal of pheromones, likely due to their unique lack of flight necessitating stronger non-visual queues. According to the Disciples of Thanatorum, these pheromones are tantamount to rudimentary telepathy following unique studies. To Formica's detriment, however, the collection and spread of these pheromones can be used to mislead and confuse them. Alongside these pheromones are natural acids that coat their claws or exoskeletons when in danger. Typically, these acids quickly break down any pheromones upon death, making them difficult to procure.

Vespica

Vespica, compared to the other groups listed, has a relatively high frequency of isolated societies or societies lacking a matriarch. Most Vespica have wings, necessitating an avian respiratory system to support flight; similar lungs can be seen by dissecting any number of Summer's avian species.
Most extant Vespica are larger than their fellow Hymendia. Their vision and flight skills are unrivaled but they can often pale in settlement growth due to the opportunistic and prolific cousins. Their relatively slower development and longer hibernation often means they have to seek out secluded regions or live in smaller settlements.