Neimoidian

The Neimoidians are a species within the Star Wars universe known for their business-like and calculating personalities. They are humanoid aliens with notably green-gray skin, red eyes, and webbed feet. Originating from the planet of Neimoidia, the Neimoidians also inhabit several purse worlds, including Cato Neimoidia, Deko Neimoidia, and Koru Neimoidia, which were economically directly linked to their homeworld.

Neimoidians are a distinguished race conquered by the Duros and integrated into their trading Empire. Over time, they ended up in charge of most day-to-day operations and became essential to the running of the Empire. The long association with trading and commerce has given the Neimoidians a reputation for greediness and cowardice in the Star Wars universe. In the Star Wars prequels, they are seen running the Trade Federation, a massive Interstellar shipping conglomerate.

The Neimoidian lifespan is typically longer than that of humans. They undergo multiple stages of metamorphosis through their lives, the final being the fully mature adult stage. Their society is stratified, with individuals gaining more rights and privileges as they age and accumulate wealth. Communal hives on their homeworld house their larvae, where they compete for sustenance in a survival of the fittest manner. This early competition is considered a contributing factor to their later ruthlessness and manipulative traits.

In the Star Wars saga, the Neimoidians hold notable positions. Nute Gunray, who appears in the prequel trilogy, is a notable member of this species. As Viceroy of the Trade Federation, Gunray participates in the Battle of Naboo and The Clone Wars. After ordering a blockade and invasion of Naboo, he becomes a leading figure in the Separatist Alliance against the Galactic Republic.

Neimoidians are portrayed with high-domed heads, large lidless eyes, noseless faces, and puffy lips to express their emotions. They converse with a heavily accented form of Basic. The characters' costumes are typically elaborate, flowing robes, and headdresses in vibrant colors. The visual design of the Neimoidians was influenced by bioluminescent sea creatures and the art team's desire to depart from the traditional 'humanoid with prosthetics' alien design.