M-113 creature (salt vampire)

Overview

Known as the M-113 creature or the salt vampire, this alien seeks out salt. An official Star Trek Halloween feature associates it with The Man Trap, the first Star Trek episode broadcast on NBC.

Star Trek: Lower Decks returned to the creature in the episode Veritas, where it appears disguised as a human woman. Official commentary on that episode names Sandra Gimpel as a performer in the original production.

The consulted sources do not describe a homeworld ecology or the mechanism by which the creature obtains salt. They state no link to Changelings and claim no real-world creative inspiration.

First appearances & development

Fictional species created for Star Trek and associated with The Man Trap, the first episode broadcast on NBC.

Canon & continuity

Official Star Trek Halloween feature on creepy creatures and official Lower Decks commentary.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

1. 01

   The Man Trap

   · n.d.

   Selected bibliography; original episode associated with the creature in the official feature.

2. 02

   Veritas

   · n.d.

   Selected bibliography; Lower Decks episode featuring the creature in disguise.

Family & connections

A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.

References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

1. Official franchise website; publisher reference or editorial articleBelow Deck with Lower Decks: Q, Salt Vampires, and... Gorn Weddings?Research access: 2026-10-06
2. Official franchise website; publisher reference or editorial articleWhat Were Star Trek's Creepiest Creatures?Research access: 2026-10-06

Image credits

A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.