Xindi-Insectoids resemble a cross between six-foot Earth praying mantids, flies and ants. Insectoids have an average life span of 10–12 years. They reproduce asexually by laying eggs, which take about a week to mature. Egg sacs are suspended from ceilings, and tubules connected to them spray chemicals that cause passers-by to reverse-imprint on the hatchlings, protecting them as a parent would. Hatchlings are so important to Insectoids that hatcheries aboard starships are heavily shielded. As seen in episode "", the Insectoid crew will sacrifice themselves to preserve their unborn offspring.