Grey

Grey aliens popularized in mass media, these are often considered the archetypal idea of an alien. Reported alien abductions often describe aliens with features similar to that as the Greys, and this popularit has lead to countless homages, parodies, and nods to the idea of grey-skinned alien visitors.

Traits
There are many variations of the Greys, although there are slight variations depending on which universe the alien is in they typically share the same basic traits.


 * Enlarged black eyes.


 * Shrunken almost non-existent nose.


 * Swollen enlarged cranium.


 * Grey Skin (typically the trait most changed).


 * Lack of lips.


 * Nudity (not always true)

History
Greys are most often associated with the idea of alien abduction (a trope that is often repeated in fiction), as well as cattle and livestock mutilations. It is unknown when exactly the idea of the Greys rose to prominence, but it is often associated with the Betty And Barney Hill Abduction.

What is not typically known is that 12 days prior to the alleged abduction an episode of the outer limits aired entitled "The Bellero Shield" with an alien remarkably like the one Betty and Barney Hill described while under hypnosis. Assuming that the Hills watched this episode, it could mean that this alien was the initial inspiration for the Greys.

Appearances
As mentioned the prominence of the concept has lead to the wide-spread usage of the aliens.


 * There is a species called Greys in Alionology, that differ little from the standard definition of the species.


 * The Asgard from Stargate are typical Greys.


 * In the third episode of Extreme Dinosaurs three alien Greys appear inmprisoned in a government facility, only to be freed by one of the Extreme Dinosaurs.


 * The aliens from the miniseries Taken are basic Greys.


 * Salarians in Mass Effect somewhat resemble the Greys.


 * In South Park a frequent Easter Egg in the show is the presence of what they call Visitors, aliens virtually identical to the mainstream idea of a Grey in every way.