Shear mite

For other uses, see Mite.

Shear mites were a large insect form of life native to the planet Dathomir.

Biology and appearance[]

Shear mites were vicious half-meter insects living on the planet Dathomir,^[2] although they could also be found on Yavin 4.^[3] They lived in the Dathomiri mountains,^[2] where they constructed hives.^[1]

The mites secreted a powerful acid that allowed them to consume solid rock. Shear mites usually avoided contacts with other animals and only attacked cornered. Their name originated from the powerful razor-sharp mandibles they possessed,^[2] which were used in conjunction with the acid they produced allowed them to chew through any creature hides. Even rancors could be severely injured by the acid-laced mandibles of the shear mites.^[4]

Their species consisted of hunters, soldiers and queens.^[1] The females were known to secrete a powerful adhesive that acted in a manner similar to cement and was used to protect the entrances of their egg burrows. This adhesive was considered one of the strongest known substance of its kind in the galaxy.^[2]