The Animus is an alien parasite that arrives on the planet Vortis. It took control of the insect-like Zarbi making the planet too dangerous for the Menoptra to remain there. The Animus manifested itself in a web-like substance, with many tentacles. It wanted the secrets of the Doctor's Tardis and attempted to steal it, but it was unable to gain entry. Fighting with an army of Menoptra, Barbara Wright destroyed the Animus using a specially developed weapon, the Isap-Tape.