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Species of Tyranid

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A list of all known Tyranid species and sub-species.

Bio-Ships

Main article: Tyranid Fleet
Bio-Titans
Images Name Description
HiveShipBFGA2.jpg
Hive Ship A Battleship-size Bio-Ship
DevourerBFGA2.jpg
Devourer Cruiser a Battlecruiser-class Bio-ship
RazorfiendBFGA2.jpg
Razorfiend Cruiser Cruiser-size Bio-Ship
Dark Prowler.jpg
Dark Prowler Cruiser-size Bio-Ship
Void Fiend.jpg
Void Fiend Cruiser-size Bio-Ship
AcidVoidProwler.jpg
Void Prowler Light Cruiser-size Bio-Ships
BioProjectileKraken.jpg
Kraken Frigate-size Bio-Ships
VanguardDroneship.jpg
Vanguard Drone Ship Destroyer-size Bio-Ship
StranglerDrone.jpg
Escort Drone
EtherBroods.jpg
Ether-Swimming Brood Attack craft-size Bio-Ship
Boarding Worm Transport Organism
TyrannocyteArt.jpg
Tyrannocyte Transport Organism
T5EMyceticSpores.jpg
Mycetic Spore Transport Organism
Narvhal
Rebirth Vessel
Mindslayer

Bio-Titans

Bio-Titans
Images Name Description
Dominatrix 1.jpg
Dominatrix Huge monsters symbiotically fused with smaller (Warrior-sized) entities that act as a psychic link to the Norn-Queen aboard her ship.[16b]
HierophantFW IA4cover2018.jpg
Hierophant These creatures are the equivalent of an Imperial Warlord Battle Titan.[8a]
Nautiloid.jpg
Nautiloid Gigantic Tyranids carrying shells resembling that of a snail's; its mid and rear limbs are fused into a pseudopod and lashwhip combination.[15]
Viragon.jpg
Viragon A huge tunneling Tyranid that resembles a huge Trygon.[15]
Vermis-class Bio-Titan [10]
Viciator.jpg
Viciator A large bio-titan akin to Hierophants.[15]

Warmachine Size Creatures

Warmachine Size Creatures
Images Name Description
Cerebore.jpg
Cerebore A massive Tyranid transporter organism.[15]
Dactylis.jpg
Dactylis Long-range firepower specialist organism.[22]
ExocrineArt.jpg
Exocrine Bred as a long-range tank hunter[22]
HarridanArt.jpg
Harridan Large winged creature. It carries Gargoyles into battle.[8b]
HaruspexArt.jpg
Haruspex A genus of assault spawn intended to rush at the enemy lines.[22]
Scythed hierodule1.jpg
Hierodule The equivalent of a small Imperial Titan.[8c]
Malefactor.jpg
Malefactor One of the general variety of assault creatures. It can carry other broods into battle under its carapace.[22]
SporocystArt.jpg
Sporocyst Atmospheric terraforming organism.

Monstrous Creatures

Monstrous Creatures
Images Name Description
Carnifex.jpg
Carnifex Carnifexes are hulking, powerful Tyranid creatures used as living battering rams. [16o]
Thornback.jpg
*Thornback Carnifex gun-battery variant
CarnifexFW.jpg
*Stone-Crusher Carnifex variant to counter tanks and fortifications
ScreamerKiller2023.jpg
*Screamer-Killer Carnifex variant designed around close combat
Oldoneeye.jpg
* Old One Eye [a] A unique Carnifex with the ability to regenerate itself from mortal wounds. [16z]
Dimachaeron.jpg
Dimachaeron Large hunter-killer predator
T5EHarpy.jpg
Harpy A Harpy is a large winged species of Tyranid comparable to a winged Trygon.[16l]
HiveCroneArt.jpg
Hive Crone A large flying creature evolved for air-to-air combat
HiveTyrantArt.jpg
Hive Tyrant Monstrous Tyranid creatures created to be commanders of the Tyranid swarm, they embody the Hive Mind completely and act as the primary Synapse conduit through which it enforces its will over lesser Tyranid creatures.[16c]
Laius Horror.jpg
Laius Horror [29]
Magma Corer [9b]
Mal8.jpg
Malanthrope A rarely-seen form of psychic Tyranid. [4]
MaleceptorArt.jpg
Maleceptor A highly psychic organism
T5EMawloc.jpg
Mawloc A huge worm-like Tyranid creature that acts as an outrider to the Tyranid swarm.[13][16t]
Neurotyrant2023.jpg
Neurotyrant Large psychic Tyranid which acts as a node for the Shadow in the Warp
Psychophage2023.jpg
Psychophage Psyker-consuming organism
Tervigon (Artwork).jpg
Tervigon A massive Tyranid that serves as a living incubator capable of spawning Termagants.[16u]
ToxicreneArt.jpg
Toxicrene Mobile toxic spore-producing organism
T5ETrygon.jpg
Trygon Huge Tyranid creatures, similar to giant Raveners. [16s]
TyrannofexArt.jpg
Tyrannofex A Tyrannofex is a monstrous battle-fortress species of Tyranid. [16v]
Norn Emissary.jpg
Norn Emissary
Norn Assimilator.jpg
Norn Assimilator

Medium Size Creatures

Medium Size Creatures
Images Name Description
Biovore2023.jpg
Biovore Tyranid creatures bred to launch Spore Mines towards the enemy, they are the equivalent of the artillery of other species - includes some variations like Triovore and Protovore[15][16q]
Broodlord 2.jpg
Broodlord A Tyranid leader organism, regarded as the epitome of the Genestealer breed. [12a]
T5EHiveGuard.jpg
Hive Guard Tyranid species that defends the consumption buildings of the Hive Mind.[16p]
LictorArt.jpg
Lictor Creatures that act as specialist scouts and vanguards, roving ahead of the Tyranid swarm to seek out and locate potential prey.[16j]
Neurolictor.jpg
Neurolictor Psychic variant of Lictor
Deathleaper.jpg
Death Leaper [a] A unique Lictor created as the ultimate weapon of terror[16bb]
Mist Reaper.jpg
Mist Reaper A unique form of Lictor, that is responsible for many disappearances on the planet Xian.[19a]
VonRyanLeaper2023.jpg
Von Ryan's Leapers Pack-hunting ambush organism[30]
Sporesack1.jpg
Mieotic Spore Large sacs full of bio-acid and toxins, and contain smaller Spore Mines within them.[4]
SporeMineArt.jpg
Mucolid Spore Air defense organism
Parasite of Mortrex (Artwork).jpg
Parasite of Mortrex A bat-winged Tyranid creature that has a barbed tail tipped with a hollow tube, like a snake's fang, capable of implanting its still-living victims with Ripper parasites.[16cc]
Pyrovore2023.jpg
Pyrovore A species of Tyranid that pre-digests biomass to provide minerals and fuel for the Tyranid Hive Fleet. It can launch a searing fireball from its dorsal flamespurt bio-weapon grown into its own flesh.[13][16r]
T5ERavener.jpg
Ravener A Tyranid species adapted for fast assaults, surprise raids and swift pursuits. [16f]
RedTerror.jpg
* Red Terror [a] A particularly deadly Tyranid Ravener, covered in a carapace the colour of blood, armed with sets of great scythe blades and a maw so wide it can swallow a man whole.[14]
Tyranid warrior.jpg
Tyranid Warrior The synaptic foot troops of the Hive Fleets. Warriors are among the most important Tyranids in battle, as not only are they powerful and deadly creatures, they are synapse creatures, directing lesser creatures and forming the focal points of the Hive Mind. [16e]
TyranidPrime6th.jpg
* Tyranid Prime A highly evolved Tyranid Warrior considered to be the apex of the Tyranid Warrior strain[16e]
Shrike.jpg
* Tyranid Shrike A member of the Warrior genus, possessing wings and capable of flight, serving as mobile Synapse Creatures and shock assault troops. [16e]
T5ETyrant Guard.jpg
Tyrant Guard A species of Tyranid spawned for the sole purpose of defending a Hive Tyrant from harm.[4][16d]
T5EVenomthrope.jpg
Venomthrope [16n]
Zoanthrope.jpg
Zoanthrope A species of Tyranid created solely to harness the potential psychic power of the Hive Mind, in effect a type of psychic artillery used in Tyranid planetary invasions and a synapse creature used to relay the commands of the Hive Mind to lesser creatures. Named subspecies include Horror Zoanthrope, Zoanthrope Screamer, Catalyst Zoanthrope, Biothrope[13][15][16m]
Neurothrope.jpg
Neurothrope Evolved version of the Zoanthrope able to leech the life force from its victims
Doom of Malan'tai (Artwork).jpg
Doom of Malan'tai [a] A uniquely adapted Tyranid Zoanthrope that has the ability to feed not upon flesh and blood but upon the psychic energy and souls of its victims. [16aa]


Smaller Size Tyranid Creatures

Smaller Size Tyranid Creatures
Images Name Description
Cortexleeches.jpg
Cortex Leech Resembling Rippers, they leap onto the face of their victims and insert long feelers into their ears, nose and eyes. These feelers are capable of manipulating the new host's brain forcing them to become a dribbling puppet under the sway of the Hive Mind.[15]
Tyranid Gaunts.jpg
Gaunt The genus for a number of the smaller Tyranid species, including Termagants, Spinegaunts, Hormagaunts, Neurogaunts, Barbgaunts,, Deathgaunts, Hellgaunts, Nightgaunts, Terrorgaunts, Slashgaunts, Razorgants, Crucigants, Exegants, Malgants, Mortegaunts, Rendergants, Protogaunts, Pyrogaunts, Lashgaunts, Genogants, Toxigaunts and Gargoyles.
HormagauntMini.jpg
* Hormagaunt A subspecies of Gaunt armed with razor-sharp Scything Talons. They move on powerful hind legs in a series of exceptionally fast, bounding leaps that appears as a skittering, insect-like gait.[16g]
TermagauntMini.jpg
* Termagant Fast, agile and cunning creatures of the Gaunt genus. While not very strong individually, Termagants will often overwhelm much more elite foes with superior numbers.[16h]
Neurogaunt2023.jpg
* Neurogaunt Gaunt strain which support Tyranid node beasts during invasions.
Barbgaunt2023.jpg
* Barbgaunt Gaunt strain which acts as a fire support beast.
GargoyleArtColor.jpg
* Gargoyle A winged Gaunt species.[16k]
Genestealer.jpg
Genestealer A species of Tyranid used as the ultimate shock trooper. Their purpose is to advance ahead of a Hive Fleet and pinpoint potential planets for the Tyranids to devour. They can infect other species with their genetic material.[16i]
Ymgarl.png
* Ymgarl Genestealer A mutated form of Genestealers originally thought to be native to the moons of planet Ymgarl, notable in that they are among the first contacts Mankind has ever had with the Tyranid race.[16dd]
RippersArt.jpg
Rippers A small species of Tyranid that serves as the primary means of devouring bio-mass from a planet. They are the most numerous of Tyranid creatures, and in great swarms they can pull down and consume creatures many times their own size. [16x]
Ripper wings.jpg
* Sky-slasher Winged Rippers[16x]
Sporemines2014.jpg
Spore Mine Living, floating mines that explode if any non-Tyranid lifeform gets too close.[16q]
Neuroloid.jpg
Neuroloid Floating psychic organisms that accompany Neurotyrants

Biomorph Creatures

Biomorph Creatures
Images Name Description
BoneswordBit.jpg
Bonesword Melee weapon
Lash Whip.jpg
Lash Whip Melee weapon
FB6.jpg
Fleshborer Projectile Weapon
Spinefist6.jpg
Spinefist Projectile Weapon
BarbedStrangler6.jpg
Barbed Strangler Projectile Weapon
Barblauncher.jpg
Barblauncher Projectile weapon
Deathspitter.jpg
Deathspitter Projectile Weapon
Dev6.jpg
Devourer Projectile Weapon
ImpalerCannon.jpg
Impaler Cannon Projectile Weapon
Strangle.jpg
Strangleweb Projectile Weapon
Shockcannon.jpg
Shockcannon Energy weapon
Spikerifle.jpg
Spike Rifle Projectile weapon
Stranglethorn Cannon.jpg
Stranglethorn Cannon Projectile weapon
Tentaclid2.jpg
Tentaclid Living munitions
VC6.jpg
Venom Cannon Projectile weapon
Neurocyte.jpg
Neurocyte Parasitic organisms which cling to the backs of Neurogaunts
Sporeminelauncher2006.jpg
Spore Mine Launcher Large projectile weapon
HeavyVenomCannon.jpg
Heavy Venom Cannon Large Projectile weapon
SporeCysts.jpg
Spore Cyst Produces Spore Mines
Flamespurt.jpg
Flamespurt Large Flamer weapon
Acidspray.jpg
Acid Spray Large acidic weapon
Rupturecannon.jpg
Rupture Cannon Large projectile weapon
Bioplasmiccannon.jpg
Bio-Plasmic Cannon Large energy weapon
NidTitan3.jpg
Bio-cannon Superheavy projectile weapon
PyroAcidBattery.jpg
Pyro-Acid Battery Superheavy Fleet weapon
TyranidTorpedoes.jpg
Bio-Torpedo Superheavy Fleet weapon
Teleporter Worm Teleportation creature

Tiny Creatures

Tiny Tyranid Creatures
Name Description
Desiccator Larvae moisture absorbing lifeform
Electroshock Grubs elecricity-producing organism
Fleshborer beetle Insatiable beetle-like organisms living within and fired from Fleshborers.[16ee]
Flesh-worm Worm-like organism with shiny black heads fired from Devourers.[4][16ee]
Pathogenesis Mutating virus-like organism[26]
Resonance Barb Hive Mind stimuli[26]
Scataphagoid Small beetle-like organism responsible for cleaning the respiratory tracks of Hive Ships[1a]
Shreddershard Beetle fragmenting explosive organism
Venomthorn Parasite Weapons-upgrading organism[26]

Tyranid Flora and Bio-Structures

Tyranid Flora and Bio-Structures
Name Description
Barbed Thermotropic Vine They spawn from the vast clouds of spores that Tyranids plant during the beginning stages of a planetary harvesting. [9a][9b]
Broodhive Broodhives are a large network of Tyranid plants that tunnel underneath the surface.[9a]
Brood Nest Brood Nests provide Tyranid invasion forces with instant reinforcements. Hidden safely underground, Tyranid creatures are nurtured inside the brood nests.[8d]
Capillary Tower Tyranid plants that reach the upper atmosphere (and beyond). They link up with hive ships in low orbit, and then pump the biomass upwards to the waiting biovessels.[9a][9b]
Magma Vent Tyranid plants that burrow deep into the planetary crust releasing the gases trapped in this planetary layer.[9a][9b]
Mycetic Spore Large, living shells used to transport Tyranid creatures from Tyranid Hive Ships to a planet's surface. They could be considered the Tyranid equivalent of an Imperial Drop Pod.[9b][16w]
Reclamation Pool One of the final stages of 'Tyraniforming' a planet, used to convert consumed bio-mass into a form utilisable by the Hive Fleets.[9a][9b]
Spore Chimney Pump out alien spores which not only pollute the atmosphere but also quickly alter the native fauna.[9a][9b]
Vitrified Plant [9a]

Genestealer Cult Forces

These creatures are linked to Genestealer Cult infestations.[1b]

Genestealer Cult Forces
Images Name Description
GSPatriarch.jpg
Genestealer Patriarch A Genestealer Patriarch is the founder and leader of a Genestealer Cult.
GSMagus.jpg
Genestealer Magus Highly Psychic Genestealer Hybrids, they act as figureheads for the Cult.
GSPrimus.jpg
Genestealer Primus War leader
GSHyrbid2nd.jpg
Acolyte Hybrid First and second generation Genestealer offspring
GSHybrid.jpg
Hybrid Neophyte Third and Fourth generation Genestealer offspring
MetamorphMini2.jpg
Hybrid Metamorph Late generation Genestealer offspring used for war
Kelermorph.jpg
Kelermorph
Biophagus.jpg
Biophagus Biological warfare specialist
CultClamavus.jpg
Clamavus Communications specialist
GSCTable.jpg
Nexos Strategic specialist
Reductus.jpg
Reductus Saboteur Explosives specialist
CultSanctus.jpg
Genestealer Sanctus Assassination specialist
CultLocus.jpg
Locus Bodyguards
GSFamiliar.jpg
Genestealer Familiar Psychic constructs of a Genestealer Magus
Aberrant8th.jpg
Genestealer Abominant Hulking Mutants
GSAberrant.jpg
Genestealer Aberrant Hulking mutants


Theorized Tyranid Species

These are creatures that the Magos Biologis believe exist, but for which there is no physical evidence.

  • Norn-Queens are believed to be the mysterious female counterparts to the Hive Tyrants. They lead the Tyranid swarms and direct the evolutionary paths to take. They invariably stay aboard their Hive Ships.

Tyranid Descendants

These are species that the Magos Biologis believe may be species that evolved from Tyranid that were left behind from failed Tyranid invasions.

Forgotten Fleets

Possible Tyranid Descendants

Previous Edition Tyranid Forces

These are species associated with the Tyranids only in earlier editions of WH40K. In game terms they are no longer part of Tyranid armies.

  • Grabber-Slashers[11] are destructive warrior assassins that appear to share certain biological traits with Orks. They are very muscular and aggressive creatures, capable of propelling themselves by their tails alone. Uniquely, they contain a type of algae within their blood that allows them to synthesize the genetic material of their victims and use this to mutate their form.
  • Zoat [Needs Citation]
  • Hunter Slayer (renamed Termagants) [Needs Citation]
  • Squig Swarm (became Ripper swarms) [Needs Citation]
  • Shroud-Spinner[11]
  • Mind-Slaver[11] - exists in current canon as Cortex Leech
  • Mind Slave - non-Tyranid creatures controlled by the Hive Mind through the Mind-Slaver. [Needs Citation]
  • Hive Lord - described in the 1st edition WH40k Rulebook as the acting agents of the Hive Fleet's ultimate ruler, they were analogous to the current Hive Tyrants. [Needs Citation]

Related Articles

Sources


Tyranid Planetary Forces
Commanders Norn-QueenHive TyrantNeurotyrant (Neuroloid) • BroodlordNeurothropeTervigonTyranid PrimeTrygon PrimeMalanthrope
Elites BiovoreTyrant Guard (Hive Guard) • Lictor (NeurolictorDeathleaper) • LeaperPyrovoreVenomthropeZoanthrope
Troops Tyranid Warrior (Shrike) • RavenerGenestealerGaunt (TermagantHormagauntBarbgauntNeurogaunt) • Ripper (Sky-Slasher)
Monstruous Creatures Carnifex (ThornbackStone CrusherScreamer-Killer) • DimachaeronExocrineHaruspexMaleceptorPsychophageSporocystToxicreneTyrannofex
Gargantuan Creatures CereboreDactylisHieroduleMalefactorMawlocNorn EmissaryNorn AssimilatorTrygon
Bio-Titans DominatrixHierophantViciatorNautiloidVermis
Flying Creatures GargoyleHarpyHarridanHive CroneTyrannocyte
Spores Meiotic SporeMycetic SporeSpore MineMucolid Spore
Unique Tyranids SwarmlordDoom of Malan'taiOld One EyeParasite of MortrexRed Terror