Galra Biology/Autecology

The galra were a heavily under utilized in Voltron: Legendary Defender, as many things were. Because of this, determining traits for them is like scavenging for a hidden brownie in your pantry. I’ve compacted my Galra headcanons, some being fanon, canon, or completely new! If there is evidence for these traits, I’ll tag/explain it!

For context, I observed behaviors for dogs, cats, and lizards to compact this list. I believe there were two distinct galra subspecies—hot clinate and cold climate dwellers. However, after Diabazaal’s destruction, breeding has occurred and caused the mix of traits between the subspecies (and, technically, other aliens as well). I do think that each galra, no matter genetic history, would lean towards a cool or warm climate basis. So, if some behaviors would only affect them, I do specify it!

So, have fun reading!

Aggression

Unwavering eye contact with constricted pupils (slits) — In 6.5 during Keith’s confrontation with Shiro, his irises shrink.

Ears pinned or rotated outwards

Tail lashing or flickering (if hot climate leaning, the tail may vibrate instead)

Baring teeth/curled lip — Sendak was shown baring his teeth at Shiro, as well Keith did this during 6.5

Lunging or snapping

Growling, hissing, snarling, or spitting — in the episode where everyone is kidnapped, sometime when they have Krolia and Romelle, Keith and his mom are shown baring their teeth/snarling at the guards

Biting, obviously

Fear

Tail tucking and cowering — submissive body language

Puffing out fur (for cooler climate leaning galra) to appear larger

Flattening ears and dilating pupils

Hard staring

Hissing, spitting, or yowling—could also be completely silent depending on personality

Panting or shallow breathing (open mouthed)

Trembling, shaking, or shivering appearance

Lashing out or snapping

Sadness

Increased irritability with pack members

Increased sleeping

Aggressive behaviors

Loss of interest in once “fun” activities

Wide eyes and dilated pupils

Hiding

Low tail or stiff wags

Avoiding eye contact

Whining or whimpering

Watery eyes — when Krolia is leaving Keith to help Kolivan, we see her eyes shining extra

Happiness/Contempt

Raised eyebrows

Slow blinking

Ears facing forward/resting position

Tail held upward or sweeping the ground

Kneading soft materials (if resting)

Purring

Head bunting and rubbing

In kits: play bowing/crouching to initiate play