The Sangheili (Latin Macto cognatus, meaning "I honor my father's blood") are a species of fierce, proud, strong, intelligent warriors, and skilled combat tacticians. Sangheili are named after their home planet, Sanghelios. Known by most Humans as Elites, presumably due to their adeptness and their skills in combat, the Sangheili formed the military backbone of the Covenant for almost the entirety of its existence. Originally a founding member of the unified conglomerate of races known as the Covenant, they later led the Covenant breakaway faction known as the Covenant Separatists due to the fact that the Prophets ordered the genocide of their entire race. This was established after the assassination of the Prophet of Regret by the hands of the "Demon" Master Chief. It was the Sangheili who were ultimately held responsible for the Prophet of Regret's death, and were seen as "unfit" to continue to guard the Prophets. The Prophets sought to achieve this through the use of the other Covenant races.

Sangheili (Macto cognatus)
Biological information
Homeworld	Sanghelios
Physical description
Height	8'6 (259 cm) (Varies)
Weight	317 pounds (140 Kg) (Varies)
Skin color	Brown, Grey, Black
Distinctions	Humanoid/Reptilian-like body structure with some mammalian features, dog-like teeth, purple blooded, quadruple hinged mandibles, binary vascular system.
Military and Political information
Ranks	Councilor Arbiter Aristocrat Honor Guardsman numerous other ranks
Affiliation	Covenant Covenant Separatists Heretics
Notable Individuals	Thel 'Vadam Ripa 'Moramee Rtas 'Vadum Sesa 'Refumee Xytan 'Jar Wattinree N’tho ‘Sraom Usze ‘Taham
Other Nomenclature	Elite Split-Chin Split Jaw Squid-Head