In the fifth chapter of the 'Complete Integration of the Animal in the SW universe' we'll have a closer look upon certain designs that were inspired by creatures.

Animals have influenced designs on our planet as well (the beetle car for instance). We'll have a look at some of the most famous designs in the 'SW'-universe.

1. Iconography
2. Linguistic Use
3. Metaphorical Use
4. Etymology
5. DESIGNS
6. Creatures & Art
7. Sport & Entertainment

- Super Battle Droid: The menacing Super Battle Droids were modelled after a beetle, reared up on his hind legs.
Source: Visual Dictionary 'RotS'

- MSE-6 Mouse Droid: The now defunct Chadra-Fan company Rebaxan Colmuni modelled it's popular MSE-6 Droid to the Chak-Chak, a popular pet kept on Chad. Source: Star Wars Fact Files

- WED15 Septoid: This Treadwell model did not only use the name, but was also influenced by the design of the Septoid, an insect from Eriadu. Source: Decipher

- Arakyd BT-16 Perimeter Droid: This perimeter Droid was obviously based on the design of a spider like creature. These Droids were used by the B'omarr Monks on Tatooine to walk around when the monks had reached their highest state of enlightenment. It could be that the design was based upon a spider that was kept as a pet by the Pau'ans on Utapau. Source: Galaxy Guide 7

- Blight Beetle: This was an insect from Neimoidia used as the design for the Mechno-Chair, built by the Affodies Craftouse of Pure Neimoidia. High-ranking Neimoidians as symbols of power used these chairs. Source: Star Wars Fact Files

- Neimoidian Warriors: The armor of the Neimoidian warriors, seen in 'RotS' on Mustafar was based on an ancient beetle-knight warrior. This armor was also most likely based on a type of beetle. Source: Chronicles, the Prequels

- Tri-Fighter: A creature also inspired this Droid Starfighter used by the CIS during the Clone Wars. The Collicoids (who designed the Tri-Fighter) modelled the Droid after a hunter-killer prehistoric predator from Colla IV. Source: Visual Dictionary 'AotC'

- Sheathipede Class Shuttle: The often-used Neimoidian Shuttles were shaped like giant beetles from Neimoidia. Source: Official Databank

- Arakyd Moon Moth Fly Eye: This small probe and espionage droid was almost exactly designed like the moon moth, a popular insect that is frequently encountered on many worlds. Source: Essential Guide to Droids

- Octuptarra: One of the CIS' attack Droids was designed after an unusual creature native to Skako (the home world of Wat Tambor). It had a gas filled head with eight eyes and thin legs. The creature also had the same name as the Droid (Chapter 4). Source: Official Databank

- Mantaris-class Transport: This ship resembles a huge ray-like creature native to the coasts of Naboo. Source: The Gungan Frontier

- GV/3 Guardian Droid: This guardian droid by Cybot Galactica was based on a general canine design and became popular after being featured in a holo-serie. Source: Essential Guide to Droids

- 5T Free Feeder: Publictechnic's 5T droid may look like a menacing spider; in fact they are automated gardeners. Source: Essential Guide to Droids.

- Mark VI Scarab Droid: These small assassin Droids were based on an insectoid design and were developed by Sienar Intelligence Systems.

- PackTrack 41LT-R 'MULE': This Les Tech Droid was based on a common horselike pack animal (Endor Pony, Bordok, Guarlaar,...) with four legs. Source: Essential Guide to Droids

Some designs probably have been based on animals, but nothing officially is known about the true whereabouts of the designs: Commerce Guild Spider Droids, Wookiee Raddadugh Fluttercraft, Buzz Droids, Gungan Bongo, Crab Droid, Vulture Droids, Manta-class droid fighters and Trade Federation C-9979 Lander ...

If you know any designs that were influenced by creatures. Please let me know. No EU after 'RotJ' please.