Lamin

The Lamin is a small rodent species native to the planet Kengraym Secundus, which usually breed in coastal inlets, favouring the shallow pools of the sea.^[1]

Their periodic migrations are proverbial on other worlds, in which thousands of lamin move across the land in a swarm, devouring everything in their path. These migrations appear to be sparked by the first scent of the sea, and often result in smaller and weaker members of the species being trampled to death and then consumed by their fellows.^[1]

While leading a refugee column through the desert on Perlia, Ciaphas Cain encountered a lake of water, and immediately set his militia troopers to cordon it off, anticipating a "lamin rush" that would foul the water if the refugees were not held back.^[1]

Background

The species's name and description is likely a reference to lemmings, a Terran rodent famous for its massed migrations, during which some members inadvertently drown in rivers or lakes being crossed by the swarms. This tendency led to a popular myth that the sea was the lemmings' ultimate destination, and they were intentionally committing mass suicide.

Sources

• 1: Death or Glory (Novel) - Ciaphas Cain: Defender of the Imperium (Omnibus) by Sandy Mitchell, Chapter Sixteen, pg. 160, fn. 1