Psi-ders

Mechanical creatures that somehow feed on psychic or neural energy. They would attack any living creature and 'suck them dry', but strong telepaths (or telepathic communication) attracted them.

The resembled small 8 legged creatures, and each had a different 'tool' on the end of mechanical arms. Some tools included plasma cutters, directed energy weapons, and etc.

All psi-ders also had a 'collecting' tool, which caused irrecoverable unconsciousness in any living being which touched. It is theorized that this tool over-loaded a beings neural net, thereby making them easier to suck energy from.

The Psi-ders attacked the USS Boudicca after they had responded to a distress call from a civilian vessel, which had also been attacked.