May 27, 2026, 3:15 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Yoda, Chewbacca, or Stormtrooper: Some animals bear surprisingly familiar names from the Star Wars universe. PETBOOK presents seven animal, at least in name, doppelgangers from a galaxy far, far away.
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Stormtroopers, Ewoks, and droids as far as the eye can see. For many, Star Wars is more than just a film series. The stories are enduring due to their timeless myths about favorite heroes or heroines and the battle between good and evil. The Star Wars universe now captivates both young and old and continues to expand. Even in science, there seem to be some enthusiastic fans. Familiar names of Star Wars characters sometimes appear in biology.
1. Skywalker Hoolock Gibbons
When you see a gibbon, you probably notice their long arms. Thanks to these limbs, the apes can easily swing from branch to branch. Sometimes it almost looks like they’re flying between the treetops. In reality, it’s a technique called “brachiation,” where gibbons swing from one springy branch to another, often covering distances of up to 10 meters.
But what does this have to do with the Star Wars universe? The connection is simpler than you might think: When the species was discovered in 2017 in southwestern China and eastern Myanmar, it was given a Chinese scientific name (Hoolock tianxing). Translated, it means something like “skywalker,” as reported by the science magazine National Geographic in an article.
Among the scientists were likely Star Wars fans who couldn’t resist the opportunity and named the newly discovered species “Skywalker Hoolock Gibbon.”
2. Stormtrooper Spider
Not only apes but also spiders have received a name from the Star Wars universe. In 2019, scientists discovered a new genus of spider in Colombia and named it Stormtropis–inspired by the stormtroopers from Star Wars. The reason: The animals are so similar in size and pattern that the researchers were reminded of the nearly identical-looking soldiers of the Empire.1
These spiders live in South and Central America and have some unique features. For instance, the males have only two claws instead of three on their feet and differ in body shape from related species. One of the discovered species, Stormtropis muisca, also lives in the Colombian Andes at over 3,400 meters altitude.
3. Yoda Worm
Even in the depths of the Atlantic, Star Wars has left its mark. Scientists discovered a previously unknown acorn worm at about 2,500 meters depth and named it Yoda purpurata–which translates to “purple Yoda.” The name was inspired by the prominent lateral skin flaps on its head, which reminded researchers of the distinctive ears of the famous Jedi Master.2
The reddish-purple species was discovered during a research expedition. Particularly exciting for science: Acorn worms are considered distant relatives of vertebrates and could provide clues about how early ancestors of today’s animals evolved.
4. Chewbacca Moth
Chewbacca also got an animal namesake in 2009. Researchers discovered a new species of moth in the dry forests of Mexico and named it Wockia chewbacca. The name is a nod to the famous Wookiee from Star Wars–because the densely hairy caterpillars reminded scientists of Chewbacca’s shaggy fur.
The small moths were found on plants whose leaves the caterpillars feed on. Under the microscope, researchers also noticed some unusual features, including special sensory hairs and distinctive skin structures.3
6. Greedo Fish
The Rodian bounty hunter Greedo from Star Wars also lent his name to an animal. Scientists discovered a new species of freshwater catfish in Brazil and named it Peckoltia greedoi.4
The name was primarily inspired by the fish’s prominently protruding eyes, round mouth, and bristly facial features, which reminded researchers of the green-skinned Rodian.
The species was found in the Gurupi River in northern Brazil. One of the involved scientists later explained that he had been a big Star Wars fan since childhood–hence the fitting name for the unusually looking catfish was quickly decided.
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7. Chewbacca Beetle
The famous Wookiee Chewbacca also inspired the naming of a tiny beetle. Scientists discovered a new weevil in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea and named it Trigonopterus chewbacca.
Once again, the reason was of a hairy nature: The beetle’s dense scales and bristly hairs reminded researchers of Chewbacca’s shaggy fur.5
May the Force Be With the Animal Kingdom
Whether it’s a hairy beetle or a purple deep-sea worm, the animal kingdom is full of curious Star Wars references. For scientists, such names are often more than just a little joke: They ensure that new species gain attention and are easier to remember. And incidentally, they show that even in research, the Force can sometimes be quite strong.