The Vespid are a fast, insectoid alien race that fights for the T’au Empire. They’re famous for their crystal-based technology, their stingers, and the mind-controlling communion helms that keep them loyal, a detail that’s always felt a little sinister.
Who the Vespid are
The Vespid come from a world also called Vespid. They’re a bipedal, vaguely insectoid species with a sturdy chitinous exoskeleton and wing-like protrusions on their backs. The Imperium calls them Stingwings, while the T’au know them as Mal’Kor.
They were already technologically capable when T’au Water Caste diplomats reached them. Their alien mindset made them almost impossible to negotiate with, until the Ethereals handed over custom communication headsets. After that, the Vespid calmly accepted full annexation into the T’au Empire. Nobody outside the Ethereals really knows what those headsets do.
Biology and abilities
Vespid stand a bit taller than an average human and move much faster. They have three pairs of eyes running down their faces: one sees ultraviolet, one sees normal colour, and one sees infrared. Their wings shouldn’t be able to lift them according to Imperial aerodynamics, yet they fly anyway.
They’re tough. Strong radiation resistance, real physical strength, and a digestive system that handles almost any organic matter, which makes them easy to feed in the field.
- Natural stingers on the abdomen. Imperial propaganda calls them vestigial, but some strains have venomous ones.
- Chitin colour varies by strain and nation, with different patterns and mottling.
- Wing-like back protrusions emit an ultrasonic tone they use to control their technology.
Society and strains
Vespid society is split into many nations, and each nation has its own strains. Those strains differ in chitin colour, patterning, and sometimes in whether their stingers are actually dangerous.
Strain Leaders command Vespid units in battle. Some strains have become well known for particularly strong traits, though the sources are vague on the full list.
Vespid in war
On the tabletop and in lore, Vespid Stingwings are fast, hard-hitting skirmishers in T’au armies. They use their wings and crystal weapons to strike where the heavier T’au firepower can’t reach.
Their relationship with the T’au is one of the setting’s best small mysteries. The T’au present it as a peaceful alliance for the Greater Good. The communion helms make that story hard to fully believe.
Key facts
- The Vespid are an insectoid race allied with the T’au Empire.
- The Imperium calls them Stingwings; the T’au call them Mal’Kor.
- They have three pairs of eyes: ultraviolet, visible, and infrared.
- Their wings shouldn’t work by Imperial aerodynamics, but they fly.
- Communion helms given by the Ethereals made them instantly compliant, and the reason is unknown.
FAQ
What are the Vespid in Warhammer 40k?
The Vespid are an insectoid alien species allied with the T’au Empire. The Imperium calls them Stingwings, and the T’au call them Mal’Kor.
Are the Vespid mind-controlled by the T’au?
It’s ambiguous. The Ethereals gave them communion helms and they became instantly compliant, which has fuelled rumours ever since. Nothing is confirmed either way.
Do Vespid have stingers?
Yes. They have natural stingers on their abdomens. Imperial sources claim they’re vestigial, but some strains have venomous ones.