The Yautja are the alien species that are known as Hunters but to many, they're better known as as the titular Predators from the very popular film series of the same name. They have headlined some of the greatest (and not so great) films and comics out there, such as the original Predator and Alien vs Predator comic runs.
As many fans already now, the Yautja are a species that are known by their love of hunting other dangerous species as a sport that brings them great honor. Of course, this hunting includes humans. But beyond that, there's a lot more to these advanced hunters from the darkest parts of the galaxy that even the most dedicated fans may have missed. Find out more about these aliens in this list that will take a look at the things many may not know about the Predators.
10 They Consider The Xenomorphs To Be Their Most Worthy Prey
The Yautja are a species that have had countless encounters with humans throughout history. Despite these continued battles between the two species, they are mostly associated with the alien species of the Xenomorphs who are known from the film and comic series Alien.
To the Yautja, the Xenomorphs are known as "kiande amedha" or "hard meat," which reflects the fact that they believe that they are the most worthy of all prey due to how difficult they are to defeat.
9 They Hunt Down Xenomorphs As A Ritual
Much like humans do something very special for their 18th and 21st birthdays as something of a rite-of-passage into adulthood, the Yautja do something equally special for young hunters that are reaching that special age. Specifically, these youngsters get to hunt down their first Xenomorph.
This mission serves as an initiation ritual for young hunters. Sometimes, to even get the ritual started, older Yautja will plant Xenomorphs artificially on an unsuspecting planet for the young Yautja to later track down.
8 The Yautja Code Of Honor Is The Basis Of The Species
The Yautja code of honor is said to expect every member of the species adhere to its rules, lest they want to suffer the pain of not being seen by the others of the species as a "true Yautja." For those deemed disobedient by the code's standards, it can end very badly for them, with other Yautja being liable to end their life as punishment.
Most members of the species are molded around this strict warriors' code, which makes them the most ruthless but honorable species there is. It also makes them a very aggressive and arrogant race of hunters.
7 Their Mandibles Have A Variety Of Uses
The Yautja biology is one that isn't fully understood and one iconic part of this biology is the mandibles that are featured on the faces of these warriors. It seems that no one knows the true reasoning behind these weird features.
Some believe that they may be used during reproduction and mating or may even be comparable to the human appendix. One thing that is known is that the Yautja use them to convey emotions and can even use them as weapons if the time comes when they need to.
6 Their Vision Is Much Different Than Humans'
The vision of the Yautja is one of the most iconic parts of their biology. One of the best part of their cinematic appearances is always seeing their point of view during their big hunts. Their vision is mostly infrared, which is why they can detect heat signatures in their surroundings.
Their helmets increase this visual power and can filter ambient heat from the area which helps when it comes to hunting. However, this is something of a weakness when it comes to hunting the Xenomorphs.
5 Their Diet Mostly Consists Of Meat
While the Yautja diet isn't fully established in the series, it was hinted at that the race was mostly carnivorous. This was noted when the City Hunter Predator from Predator 2 visited a slaughterhouse in the city every two days to feed on the stored meat there.
In one instance a mutated Yautja even feasted on the last surviving member of its own hunting squad. Meaning that they may even succumb to cannibal tendencies when needed.
4 Their Lifespan Is Much Longer Than Humans'
The typical lifespan of the Yautja has never been confirmed in any piece of Predator media, but a bit of insight on the topic has definitely been glossed over in various pieces of it. Based on what little there is, it's a well-known tidbit that the Yautja can live much longer than humans.
The elders of the race are able to live for hundreds to thousands of years. In fact, one Yautja named Kalakta is said to be thousands of years old and has even said himself that human life is nothing when compared in length to that of a Yautja.
3 Their Language Is Like Nothing Else
The language of the Yautja is very weird, to say the least. The vocal version of their speech sounds like a series of clicks, roars, snarls, growls, and all of the above. Despite this, the race actually has different dialects which most translators don't catch.
Their written language is somewhat similar and is seen to be mostly a pattern of dashes. Despite this, it operates the same way that languages used on Earth do. Their writing is able to be seen on a lot of their architecture and armor pieces, such as helmets and gauntlets. But in case you want to understand them, don't worry; they're also capable of imitating human speech as well.
2 Defeat In A Hunt Is The Worst Sign Of Disrespect
In the Yautja culture, nothing is more important than the hunting of other dangerous lifeforms. This practice is the foundation of their society and results in Yautja going on great journeys across galaxies to find the most worthy prey. In some cases, they even bring said prey to their chosen hunting grounds.
This means that defeat in a hunt is one of the greatest causes of shame to the alien race. Many times, a loss in a hunt will lead to one of them committing honorable suicide, as death through defeat is more acceptable than living in shame.
1 Their Society Is Based On Class & Rank
The society of the Yautja operates mostly on a ranking system that is based on the hunting experience and prowess of each individual member of the species.
Some of these ranking titles include: Un-blooded who are young Yautja with no experience, Young Blood who are young adults that aren't yet seen as "true hunters," Blooded who have already killed their first Xenomorph, Elite who are the most dangerous of the race and are able to do things such as kill several Xenomorph alone, Leaders, Elders, Ancients, and Matriarchs.
Given their very strict warrior culture and how much combat isn't just glorified but is an integral foundation of the Yautja society, this rigid caste system isn't too much of a surprise.