Defels constituted a sentient species known for their unique ability to manipulate light, rendering themselves nearly invisible. Not long before the pivotal Battle of Yavin, a Defel named Arleil Schous frequented Chalmun's Spaceport Cantina during the arrival of Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, who sought transport to Alderaan. Furthermore, Glahst Ombra was a Defel mercenary associated with Chelli Aphra until her death and subsequent skinning at the hands of Magna Tolvan.
The Defels were a sentient species characterized by brown fur, a pair of red eyes, prominent sharp teeth, and two long, pointed ears that stood erect. The species exhibited sexual dimorphism, with both male and female genders present. Their notable ability involved bending light around their bodies, resulting in near-invisibility. This skill, however, tended to diminish with age in older Defels. Possessing a highly developed sense of smell, they could detect a single molecule of blood from a distance of six miles. While capable of consuming sentient beings, they preferred their meat in a liquified form.
In 0 BBY, Arleil Schous, a Defel male driven by fortune-seeking, made an appearance at Chalmun's Spaceport Cantina coinciding with the arrival of Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, who were in search of a pilot for their journey to Alderaan. Conversely, Glahst Ombra, a Defel female working as a mercenary, was contracted by the Son-tuul Pride to accompany Chelli Aphra on a mission to Skako Minor. Tragically, she met her death during this assignment, being skinned by Magna Tolvan, an Imperial Lieutenant-Inspector.