Kihunter

Ki-Hunters are a type of enemy that appear in Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion.

Biography
Ki-Hunters are allies of Space Pirates and hail from another galactic system; according to Super Metroid ' s manual, they are actually Space Pirates from another galaxy. Known planets they inhabit are Zebes. They have wings, allowing them to fly, and can spit acid from their mouth, though they mainly charge their opponents with their claws by swiping. However, if they lose their wings, they will only spit acid.

In Super Metroid, they can be found in large numbers on Crateria, Brinstar, and the Wrecked Ship. Their colors seem to adapt and blend in with the surrounding areas.

In Metroid Fusion, Ki-Hunters have been infected and mimicked by X Parasites. These Ki-Hunter X can be found in Sector 2 and parts of the Main Deck of the Biologic Space Laboratories research station. In this game, Zoros eventually enter pupae and morph into Ki-Hunters: Samus encounters X infected/mimicked Zoros at first, though they eventually hatch into Ki-Hunters (still containing X Parasites). This may be the result of X Parasite mutation, or it may mean that Zoros are larval Ki-Hunters.

Prime series
A similar-looking Space Pirate appears in concept art for what may be the Flying Pirate in Metroid Prime. This "Ki-Hunter" has shorter wings, longer legs, and a Metroid strapped to its back.

Weavel, a Space Pirate bounty hunter from Metroid Prime: Hunters, wears a Power Suit vaguely resembling a Ki-Hunter.

Super Metroid Manual
SPACE PIRATES - KEYHUNTERS "These creatures are pirates from another galactic system who helped rebuild Zebes. When they lose their wings, they spit powerful acid."