Ilia, a Deltan female
A male Deltan serving on the Federation Council in 2285
The Deltans are a humanoid species originating from the planet Delta IV. They are members of the United Federation of Planets.
Physiology
Deltans are identified by their fair skin and bald scalps. They have pain-relieving abilities that manifest during tactile contact. This ability does not, however, heal injuries. Deltans believe Humans to be a sexually immature species. Because of their high sexuality, Deltans must swear an oath of celibacy upon entering service in Starfleet, as a promise not to take advantage of any fellow crewmember. (Star Trek: The Motion Picture)
History
In 2141, the ECS Horizon encountered a group of Deltans. Travis Mayweather, who was fifteen at the time, later described them as very attractive and very open. His method of dealing with the feelings they engendered in him was exhaustive workouts in the gym, a method he returned to (and recommended to Lt. Malcolm Reed) while three Orion slave girls were "guests" aboard Enterprise. (ENT: "Bound")
One Deltan, Starfleet Lieutenant Ilia, made direct contact with the V'Ger entity when it approached Earth in 2272, whereupon she was listed as missing in action. (Star Trek: The Motion Picture) Another Deltan served as an officer aboard the USS Excelsior in 2285. (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock) A male Deltan ambassador served on the Federation Council in the same year. (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home)
People
- Deltans
- Unnamed Deltans
Appearances
Apocrypha
The Deltans' strong sexual presence, even without physical contact, was explained by pheromones and sub-conscious telepathy in Gene Roddenberry's novelization. References to some of the Deltans' sexual tendencies and oaths were removed from some versions of the filmed appearance.
In the novelization of Star Trek II, say that sexual activity between a Deltan and a non-Deltan means risking insanity for the non-Deltan.