What Species Is Ahsoka Tano?

The Ahsoka Tano phenomenon continues to gain momentum. First appearing as Anakin Skywalker’s teenage Padawan in Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008), Ahsoka wasn’t immediately embraced by fans, but her popularity snowballed as her escapades during this turbulent era of Jedi history were expanded upon in the later animated TV series that further detailed the epochal conflict between the Galactic Republic and the Separatists. With her unique look, many fans quickly began asking questions like: What species is Ahsoka Tano? Is Ahsoka a Twi’lek? Where is Ahsoka Tano from?

Ahsoka Tano’s species name is Togruta, not Twi’lek as many assume. This page addresses common fan questions about the beloved Jedi, including her origins, homeworld, and her place in Star Wars lore.

In 2023, Ahsoka’s character entered a new era with her own Disney+ series, Ahsoka, the first to position her as the central character. This live-action debut introduced her to an even wider audience and reignited questions about her origins. Many fans still ask: What species is Ahsoka Tano? or What race is Ahsoka? What planet is Ahsoka from?

As mentioned earlier, Ahsoka belongs to the Togruta species. Togrutas are from the planet Shili, a world rich in culture and history. But that only scratches the surface! The Togruta are relatively uncommon across the galaxy, and their culture, biology, and traditions remain mysterious. Let’s take a closer look at Ahsoka’s species, their homeworld, their looks and traits, and how they differ from Twi’leks.

By Ultrasabers Updated September 24, 2025 (Originally Published August 8, 2023)

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Shili: The Homeworld of the Togruta The Physical Characteristics of Togrutas The Differences Between Togrutas and Twi’leks Other Notable Togruta in the Star Wars Universe Lightsabers Inspired by Ahsoka Tano

Shili: The Homeworld of the Togruta

Ahsoka’s species, the Togruta, hail from Shili, located in the Expansion Region between the Inner Rim and the Mid Rim. Aside from Shili, this bustling region includes the planets Aquaris, Kerkoidia, Sibensko, and Thustra, as well as the Ghost Nebula sector. Shili itself sits within the Shili system, which contains no other planets but several moons.

Known for its lush, colorful grasslands, pine forests, and mountainous topography, Shili is a visually striking world. Native creatures include kybuck (horned quadrupeds also seen on Kashyyyk) and raxshir (sabertooth-like predators). Above all, Shili is considered the heartland of the humanoid Togruta species, who share a deep spiritual connection with the land.

The Togruta prefer to live in the mountainous regions of their world, often going barefoot as a sign of reverence for the soil. Their collectivist society has historically been monarchical, led by a sovereign known as the regasa. Although known for their militaristic values, not all Togruta are warriors—an artisan colony once thrived on the planet Kiros, demonstrating that their culture can also embrace creativity as well as battle.

The Physical Characteristics of Togrutas

Togruta Colors & Traits

Is Ahsoka a Togruta? Yes, she is. Although humanoid, Togrutas have a distinct appearance that makes them instantly recognizable. Ahsoka Tano’s species are particularly noted for the unusual tail-like horns protruding from their heads: montrals and lekku.

Montrals

Montrals are a pair of conical striped horns that protrude from the top of the head of a Togruta. They lengthen with age, growing from small stubs in youth to tall appendages in adulthood. Males usually develop taller montrals than females. Beyond their striking appearance, montrals give Togrutas an evolutionary advantage: they function as echolocation organs, allowing them to sense movement around them—a major aid in combat.

Incidentally, the Togruta are not the only known beings who sport montrals. The Kessurians have them too, but in these beings, they protrude diagonally from the side of the head, just above the ears, and do not closely resemble the ones that lend Togrutas their singular look.

Lekku

Lekku, also known as head-tails, are one of the most distinguishable physical characteristics of Ahsoka Tano’s race. Often confused with Twi’leks, Togrutas also possess lekku (head-tails). Unlike Twi’leks, who usually have two, Togrutas have three. Two fall across the shoulders, while a third, larger one trails down the back. These grow with age and tend to be longer in females. Ahsoka’s lekku are blue and white, a common Togruta color combination.

Ahsoka’s lekku are blue and white, which is a prevalent color combination among Togrutas, but other combinations occur as well.

Skin Coloration

Togruta skin comes in a wide range of hues. Most commonly, Togruta coloring is orange or red, but other possible colors include blue, purple, yellow, and white. Other colors can also be occasionally seen. Their symmetrical white facial patterns resemble “warpaint” style markings, but are natural pigmentation. These vivid colors are believed to help them camouflage against Shili’s vibrant landscapes.

The Differences Between Togrutas and Twi’leks

Because they both have lekku, it’s easy to understand the confusion, as these two Star Wars species share some surface similarities, but they are quite distinct once you know what to look for. A few of the main differences include:

Appearance: Twi’leks are generally more human-like, enabling them to blend in more easily, while Togrutas are more visually distinctive and colorful.
Functionality: Twi’lek lekku are prehensile and can grasp objects or convey signals; Togrutan lekku do not serve this purpose.
Lekku Count: Twi’leks usually have two lekku, while Togrutas typically have three.
Sensitivity: Twi’lek lekku are highly sensitive, and injury to them can be fatal. Togrutan lekku, while important, can be injured without endangering life.

In short, while Ahsoka may sometimes be mistaken for a Twi’lek, her Togruta heritage is unique. Twi’leks, native to the planet Ryloth, include well-known Twi’lek characters like Hera Syndulla and Bib Fortuna, while the most famous Togruta remains Ahsoka herself (and her infamous white lightsabers).

Other Notable Togruta in the Star Wars Universe

Ahsoka Tano is the Togruta most widely known to fans, but she’s not the only one whose exploits are worth following. Other Togrutas in the Star Wars universe include:

Auxi Kray Korbin: Advisor to Chancellor Mon Mothma, killed by an assassin’s bomb.
Elarec Yovet: Regasa of Shili, also Supreme Huntress of the United Tribes.
Jora Malli: Jedi Master during the High Republic who perished at the Battle of Kur.
Kirames Kaj: Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic during the High Republic Era.
Shaak Ti: Jedi Master who served on the High Council prior to the Great Jedi Purge (aka Order 66). Speaking of which, read, How Did Ahsoka Survive Order 66?

As Star Wars storytelling expands, more Togruta names are likely to enter canon. However, some details (such as government structures on Shili) originate in Legends material and may differ from current canon.

Battle-Ready Lightsabers from Ultrasabers

While you’re waiting for the next installment in the expanding Star Wars TV universe, why not get a lightsaber of your own? Ultrasabers has a growing collection of battle-ready sabers that look and behave much like the ones seen on the big and small screens, including the ones wielded by everyone’s favorite Togruta! Check out our collection of Ashoka Tano lightsabers, featuring The Fulcrum and The Lost Gray, among many other available options, including our impressive Xeno Fulcrum Set and menacing double-bladed lightsabers!