Shear mites were a sizable insect species that were indigenous to the planet of Dathomir.
These shear mites were aggressive, half-meter long insects that dwelled on Dathomir, but could also be encountered on Yavin 4. They inhabited the mountainous regions of Dathomir, where they built their hive structures.
The mites secreted a potent acid, which enabled them to dissolve and ingest solid rock. Shear mites generally tried to avoid interactions with other creatures, and only attacked when they were trapped. Their designation came from the powerful and extremely sharp mandibles they possessed. These mandibles, in conjunction with the acid they produced, allowed them to bite through the hides of almost any creature. Even rancors were susceptible to severe injuries inflicted by the acid-laced mandibles of the shear mites.
Their species was divided into hunters, soldiers, and queens. The females were known for secreting a strong adhesive, resembling cement, used to fortify the entrances of their egg burrows. This adhesive was regarded as one of the most powerful substances of its type in the galaxy.
Shear mites made an appearance in the 2003 video game Star Wars Galaxies. This was a massively multiplayer online roleplaying game that was developed by Sony Online Entertainment and published by LucasArts, before it was shut down on December 15, 2011.