A cyclent is a kind of ancient animal made at a point by Artisans. They are thought to be more ancient than bugs (Sectentes) or tetrapods (Animentes) in origin. They may also predate Fairies and Barophores, according to many scholars.
The cyclentes are easily recognized by their unique, wheeled anatomy. They each have (usually) 2 ventral limbs, each ending on a wheel. The wheel is secreted by tissue on the end of the leg, and its rotund shape is maintained by mutualistic amoebae who gnaw upon and polish the wheel. The material proprieties of the wheels vary by species, but they are usually made of a strong and elastic sponge.
Cyclentes generally have three eyes and a beak, and many also have a radula. The tail of a cyclent is perforated to work as an airfoil. They lack a spine, but they do have an elastic PET-like pen running through the torso and a PET-like ring within the head.
These animals reproduce by parthenogenesis, although a few (perhaps more recent) species are able to share genes horizontally by kissing a suitable partner.
Cyclentes are currently not found naturally on the surface of the world nor in its oceans nor in the sky. All wild populations are chthonic, mainly native to the Roaded Galleries.