Varactyl
Fauna: Reptilian: Squamata
Varactyls were a species of majestic, giant reptavian herbivores native to the world of Utapau. They are sometimes referred to by the nickname, dragonmounts.
They typically had blue and green crests and feather ridges along their backs, and were incredibly loyal and obedient mounts; varactyl were fearless steeds and were willing to jump down perilous slopes if asked to by their rider.
With their strong, long strides and bounds, varactyls navigated even the uneven and vertical surfaces of their homeworld.
Basic Information
Anatomy
- The varactyl's flexible neck supported its armor-plated skull.
- Not only could a varactyl run very fast, but their feet were adapted with tiny hairlike structures that allowed them to climb the rocky walls of Utapau's sinkholes.
Dietary Needs and Habits
| Herbivore |
Additional Information
Domestication
| Domesticated |
| Wild |
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Varactyls are used as mounts for transportation purposes in some places in the galaxy. They can be purchased at select dealers, but may be expensive depending variables such as distance to Utapau (varactyl homeworld), the nature of acquisition, local government, etc.
Facial characteristics
- They had beaked faces.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
- The largest Varactyl population can be found on their homeworld of Utapau.
- They can also be found in large numbers on Pijal, Kashyyyk, and Belsavis.
- Select vendors offer Varactyl mounts for sale across the galaxy.
Average Intelligence
| Above Average |
- Intelligent creatures, varactyls long remembered previous riders, and never forgot those they bonded with over a long partnership. Varactyls reacted with affection to the riders they had a good relationship with.
- Riders that treated a mount poorly could expect to be treated with hostility.
Civilization and Culture
Major Language Groups and Dialects
- A varactyl's vocalizations were short, loud hooting calls.
History
It was the Utai people of Utapau that learned to tame the wild Varactyl long ago. Not the dominant species of the planet, Utai are now commonly employed as wranglers, keepers, etc.
| Idiosyncratic Classification | Reptavian |
| Homeworld | Utapau |
Average Height
13' 1" (at the shoulder)
Average Weight
2500 lbs
Average Length
49' 3"
Average Physique
- They had long, powerful tails that could stretch over 30 feet.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
| Skin color | Green |
| Feather color | Blue and Green |
| Subspecies |
|
- The Pijal variety were bred uniquely to be swift and quick for participation in the Grand Hunt tradition on Pijal.
- The Pijal varactyls often featured crimson feathers, which was a color that never been recorded on a standard varactyl.
- The Deathspine Varactyl are specifically found on Kashyyk. This variation sometimes has orange skin.