Lacertilo

Last Updated: 1/29/2024

Name: Lacertilo

Humanoid: Yes

Classification: Amphibious/Alternative

Homeworld: Unknown

Coloration: Gray and Green

Biology: The Lacertilo were an amphibious, almost frog-like humanoid species recently introduced within the Star Wars universe. They had the same general height, build, and frame as the average Human or near-Human species, however, they do have some very distinct defining traits as well. Parts of their thick, hairless skin were covered in what appeared to be scales, and they have been observed to have green, gray, or blueish-green pigmentation. Being bipedal in nature, they had two legs, as well as two arms ending in five-fingered hands.

Lacertilo had wide necks and an incredibly short chin/lower jaw, giving way to a flat, wide mouth and noticeable underbite. They had a defined, nose-like protrusion, but no actual visible nostrils. Their eyes and ears were rather Human-like, and the top of their head was smooth, being flanked by two ridges extending up and around from the center of their face. Lacertilo were stated to possess compound lungs, allowing them to stay submerged for long periods of time or operate in low-oxygen environments. Despite the strange shape of their mouths, the species was capable of pronouncing Galactic Basic Standard.

Lore: We currently know next to nothing about the Lacertilo as a whole, aside from the fact that they were seemingly granted the opportunity to join the Galactic Empire, albeit in a limited capacity, specifically always serving as armed and armored bailiffs station at various Imperial courts such as those found on Niamos and Samaria. We also know they were valued for their ability to survive in low or no-oxygen environments for long periods of time, possibly insinuating that they frequented dangerous professions that required as such, and at least one was seen among the ranks of the Resistance movement.

Legends/Canon: The Lacertilo are exclusive to Star Wars Canon, although they have received little expansion within canonical lore so far.

Unexplored: With the Lacertilo existing within Canon, especially in a film, there is a fairly high chance that they will be expanded upon slowly but consistently in the future. Some things that would be interesting to learn regarding this species include the system and planet they originate from, as well as their place in the galaxy. When were they first discovered, by whom, and was it possible they were once members of the Galactic Republic? Given their unique anatomy and biology, did they have other frog-like features, such as being cold-blooded or having extendable tongues? Was a large contingent of the species strongly allied with the Resistance, potentially due to a past event involving the First Order, or was the fighter Bo Rogiave simply an outlier? And why were they allowed to join (and why would they want to join) the Galactic Empire, especially when they were relegated to these lower level roles? Did they have some history as intergalactic bailiffs or something? Of course, there are other aspects including their history, culture, society, government, economy, religions, philosophies, traditions, habits, diets, languages, etc. that can be established that would make the Lacertilo exponentially more memorable and iconic!

Additional Notes: I actually really like the Lacertilo design, especially when it comes to the unique mouth. I definitely wish they had appeared a lot more in the Sequels, because I honestly don’t even remember seeing Bo in any of my watch throughs of “The Rise of Skywalker.” Seeing them in Andor was a nice surprise, although I’d still like to see some further expansions in projects like The High Republic!

Additional Images: