The Tyranid Lictor bioform is one of the organisms of the Great Devourer that possess Feeder Tendrils and so is capable of absorbing a slain enemies' knowledge and memories, making them crucial organisms in gaining intelligence and carrying out a detailed reconnaissance of a hive fleet's target world.
Feeder Tendrils are special organs possessed by some Tyranid bioforms such as Lictors and Ymgarl Genestealers that enable them to drain their dead victims' brain matter and cerebrospinal fluid, absorbing all of their memories and learned knowledge in the process.
This provides the Tyranids with crucial information about an enemy's strengths and weaknesses, along with invaluable intelligence and reconaissance information about a world whose biosphere has been targeted for absorption by a Tyranid hive fleet.
Sources[]
- Codex: Tyranids (5th Edition), pp. 41, 61
- Warhammer Community - Codex: Tyranids Preview - Stratagems