Cliffborer worm
From Wookieepedia, the Star Wars wiki.
| |
| Cliffborer worm | |
|---|---|
| Designation |
Nonsentient |
| Planet of origin | |
| Average length |
3 to 4 meters |
Cliffborer worms were parasitic, almost mindless, burrowing arthropods common throughout the galaxy. They flourished specially on the many planets that featured mainly arid and rocky climates, such as Tatooine and, nearby, Geonosis.
They were long, armored creatures who fed on razor moss and lichen, with a single pair of insectoid legs used primarily for locomotion. During mating season, however, these legs could be used as dangerous offensive weapons. A pair of cliffborers would guard their nest of two to twelve eggs until they hatched, after which they would abandon the young to fend for themselves. Many hatchlings would end up as meals for krayt dragons or dewbacks since their hides did not harden until they reached a meter in length, approximately one month after birth.
Though never proven, some xenobiologists surmised that cliffborers never stopped growing, and did not die from old age, proposing that in deep, secluded desert environments, worms could reach lengths upwards of 20 to 30 meters in length. It is also hypothesized that the sentient alien species known as the Riorian may well be related to the burrowing arthropods.
Economically, the tough hide of the cliffborer was a popular material for use in making sturdy boots.
[edit] Appearances
- Super Return of the Jedi (First appearance)
