The Zarbi were giant ants creatures on the planet Vortis that were used like cattle by the Manoptra, a race of intellegant butterfly creatures. An evil entity called the Animus took mental control of the Zarbi, turning them into vicious creatures which enslaved the Manoptra. The Zarbi controlled larvae-like creatures called Larva Guns, which could shoot electrical stings. The Manoptra fled to the nearby planet Pictos where they raised an army to free their planet from the Animus and the Zarbi. When the Animus was destroyed, the Menoptra began rebuilding Vortis, and the Zarbi resumed their peaceful, quiet nature.