The Shikitari represented an uncommon, partially-sentient insectoid species originating from the planet Shikitari.
The Shikitari exhibited complex, multi-stage life cycles. They began their existence as egg groupings, protected by a poisonous gel that served as a defense mechanism against predators. Upon hatching, the developing pupae underwent a fusion process, combining to form a unified single organism. As they matured, individual Shikitari developed specialized physical features, differentiating into eyes, mouths, sensory feelers, and various other organs and limbs. The pupae's physical form evolved to resemble that of their protector.
One example of this species was Carl. During his participation in The Cauldron on Rattatak, Carl was in one of the Shikitari's briefest developmental phases; had he survived, he would have evolved into twelve flutterscouts.
The Shikitari were at one point involved in a war against the Chiss Ascendancy. In the course of this war, a band of heroes was incorrectly identified as either enemy soldiers or aggressive smugglers by a Chiss carrier.