Wait. That has Portia? [digs up his copy] Edit: Doh. I last read that so long ago that I'd forgotten that they were large spider-like beings :) ... and yes,

Wait. That has Portia? [digs up his copy] Edit: Doh. I last read that so long ago that I'd forgotten that they were large spider-like beings :) ... and yes, they hop, so maybe Portia. But I don't recall that Vinge ever says so.