Some people collect Star Wars merch. Some people collect Star Wars tattoos. And then there are biologists who get to name a brand-new species and decide to make that name a Star Wars reference… permanently.
That’s how you end up with real animals officially carrying names like Chewbacca, Leia, Obi-Wan, and even Stormtrooper. Sometimes there’s a clever reason behind it, like the animal’s shape, “hair,” or behavior. Other times, it’s basically a scientist admitting, “Yeah… I’m a fan.”
Here are 10 of the craziest real animals named after Star Wars characters, and why they got those names.
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1. Wockia Chewbacca
This one is funny because the moth itself is small and kind of plain, but the name is legendary. It’s a grey-brown moth from Mexico, and the “Chewbacca” reference comes from the hair-like look on its wings. The original description even spells it out: it’s named after the “large and hairy Wookiee” from Star Wars.
2. Urubaxia Chewie
Chewie is popular enough to get multiple species named after him. This one is a true bug from Brazil, and the authors said they picked “chewie” because it’s bigger and more robust than other species in the same group.
3. Skywalker Gibbon
One of the coolest names here, and one of the saddest facts too. This primate was only described as a distinct species in 2017, and it’s critically endangered with a tiny population left. Its species name tianxing translates to “heavenly movement,” and the “Skywalker” nickname was chosen because the animal’s movement through the trees fits the idea of a “sky walker.”
4. Xenokeryx Amidalae
Was The Second Death Star Better Than The First? – 3
This one is pure prequel energy. The researchers named this extinct horned animal after Padmé because a strange head appendage reminded them of one of her Phantom Menace hairstyles. It’s not just a fandom name, it’s actually tied to what the fossil looks like.
5. Coptoborus Leia
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Leia gets the hairstyle tribute too. The scientists said the beetle’s rounded body and bristly look reminded them of Leia’s bun-styled hair. Is it a stretch? Maybe. But it’s still one of the funniest “official reasons” on the list.
6. Han Solo
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Yes, there’s a trilobite with the name Han solo. The explanation is almost as good as the name: “solo” comes from it being the only known member of its genus, and the author later admitted the Star Wars connection was part of the fun.
7. Tetramorium Bbiwan and Tetramorium Jedi
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Ant scientists went all in. One pavement ant species is literally named after Obi-Wan Kenobi, and another in the same genus is just called “jedi.” Sometimes there’s a deep reason behind these names. Sometimes it’s just scientists enjoying the moment.
8. Stormtropis
Was The Second Death Star Better Than The First? – 3
This genus of bald-legged spiders is named after stormtroopers for a surprisingly specific reason. The authors compared the spiders to stormtroopers because they’re very similar to each other, can blend into their surroundings a bit, and move in an “unskillful” way. That is such a stormtrooper roast that it feels personal.
9. Peckoltia Greedoi
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Greedo made it into biology too. This armored catfish from Brazil was named after him because the scientists saw a resemblance, especially the big dark eyes and the face shape. Basically: if Greedo was a fish, this is what he’d look like.
10. Yoda Purpurata
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And yes, there’s a real animal with “Yoda” in its name. This deep-sea acorn worm was named that way because its large side “lips” reminded researchers of Yoda’s ears, and purpurata points to its purple coloring. Star Wars fans really are everywhere.