Sidehopper

Sidehoppers are enemies of the Metroid series, appearing first in Metroid and subsequently in Super Metroid, Zero Mission, Metroid Fusion. It may also have appeared in Metroid Prime -- but this is debated (see Trivia section for details).

Description
Sidehoppers are insectoid, bipedal creatures bearing a striking resemblance to Dessgeega. The Sidehopper is as big as Samus and has a pair of powerful, piston-like legs enabling it to perform great leaps, and two enormous mandibles hanging directly beneath its head. Sidehoppers have the strange ability to repel gravity and, not only cling to the ceiling, but also jump from it, and "fall" upwards back onto it.

In their original incarnation in Metroid, Sidehoppers, like many enemies in the game, had two different forms: one pale orange with a green head, the other vermillion with a blue head. The vermillion ones were more resilient and powerful than their cousins.

Manual Information
The Sidehopper's description in the original Metroid manual: ''These powerful enemies attack Samus while hopping. Be careful, the Side Hopper's'' ''strength is second only to the Mini-Boss. Destroy him with one missile blast.''

Combat
In the original game, Sidehoppers were very dangerous, the most powerful enemies in the Brinstar region, particularly the brown variety, and those ones which walk on the ceiling. It is best to dispose of a Sidehopper with a blast from Samus' Missile Launcher or Screw Attack if available, or freeze them with the Ice Beam and flee.

Sidehoppers remain dangerous opponents in all their subsequent appearances, thus maximum firepower is advised. Be warned: in Metroid Fusion, all X infected Sidehoppers and mimicks are more armored than their normal variants.

Trivia

 * In Metroid Prime, there is a containment cell on the Space Pirate Frigate which shakes and emits roaring sounds. Scanning the cell reveals images of a very Sidehopper-like creature, though the images are unclear. The creature within could also be a Desgeega. The fate of this creature after the Frigate crashed is unknown.


 * In Metroid Prime 2, there is a Multiplayer arena named "Sidehopper Station". Appropriately, it is also shaped like a Sidehopper.