Grindalids, a species of sentient beings resembling worms, originated on Persis IX. This Expansion Region planet possesses a thick atmosphere, preventing sunlight from reaching the surface. Consequently, Grindalids evolved with photosensitive skin, making them susceptible to burns upon exposure to sunlight. During the Imperial Era, Lady Proxima, along with Moloch and Jabbat, headed the White Worms on Corellia. Han Solo later took advantage of her sensitivity to light to twice escape from her lair.
Originating from Persis IX, a homeworld characterized by a dense [atmosphere](/article/atmosphere] that made them averse to light, Grindalids are sentient annelids with traits similar to those of worm and insect species. Their sensitive, squinting eyes were easily harmed in brighter environments, and their photosensitive skin would burn and blister when directly exposed to sunlight. If subjected to sunlight for an extended period, a Grindalid would disintegrate into dust after death. To protect themselves when venturing outside, some Grindalids wore specialized clothing, including articulated faceplates, flexible cowl [armor](/article/armor], long coats, gloves, and fully sealed armored coverings.
Grindalid youngsters hatched from eggs and lived in watery pools. They had pale faces, squinting eyes, and large, curved heads. While their armored forms gave them a seemingly humanoid appearance, Grindalids possessed tapered tail segments instead of legs. Some could mimic a humanoid gait through extensive practice. Grindalids had two primary, albeit stubby, arms, along with numerous pairs of shorter pincers that ran the length of their wrinkled, serpentine bodies. Their lifespans could extend for considerable durations, sometimes exceeding two hundred years.
Females were responsible for feeding and caring for their young hatchlings within filmy watery pools, chewing pieces of meat into smaller portions for the baby worms. Grindalids were carnivores, consuming vermin such as vervikks and screerats.
Spirituality was present among some Grindalids; Moloch held beliefs in an afterlife filled with boundless riches. Others, such as Proxima, adorned their bodies with jewels and trinkets, wearing rings and plates down the length of her back.
A cultural practice among Grindalids involved the consumption of those who had murdered a Grindalid. If the perpetrator remained unidentified, the individual deemed responsible would be devoured in their place.
During the High Republic Era, the Garavult Clan, a group comprising thousands of Grindalids under the leadership of Mother Fastidima, collaborated with the City Fathers to safeguard the sewers and tunnels of Coronet City.
Following the fall of the Republic, several Grindalids established the White Worms, a scrumrat gang operating within the slums of Corellia. Lady Proxima, a Grindalid crime lord, led the gang from her Den, with Moloch assisting her. She issued directives from the watery pool where she resided with her young hatchlings.