Chameleon Manta

Chameleon Manta is a technology used in Metroid Prime. It is utilized by the Omega Pirate to become invisible. While Shadow Pirates are invisible to the naked eye, they are visible to both the Thermal Visor and X-Ray Visor, and are vulnerable to damage even under the normal spectrum. By contrast, the Omega Pirate is invisible to both visors and the advancement of the Chameleon Manta renders it invulnerable to all damage while cloaked. However, while the Omega Pirate is absorbing Phazon into its body, the radioactive substance can be seen by the X-Ray Visor, bypassing the Chameleon Manta's properties. The X-Ray Visor is the only tool in Samus's arsenal that can negate the damage-shielding properties of the Chameleon Manta, allowing her to target and damage the creature's weak point.

The Ghalmanians in Metroid: Other M use a similar ability, although this is more likely a biological feature rather than a device. The Bounty Hunter Trace also employs a cloaking device, which is only in effect when he remains stationary, as do a number of other creatures, mechanoids, and objects that require alternate visors to see.

Official data

Pirate Data (Omega Pirate)

Samus targets the Omega Pirate with the aid of the X-Ray Visor.

"Elite Pirate Upsilon's propensity for Phazon has enabled our research team to infuse it far beyond out safety restrictions, and the results have been extremely encouraging. Its constant Phazon diet has increased its mass exponentially, but it has retained all mental faculties and shows dexterity with all Elite weaponry, including Plasma Incendiary Launchers and the Chameleon Manta issued for cloaking purposes. Elite Pirate Upsilon exhibits miraculous healing abilities; when injured, it seeks out Phazon deposits and coats itself in the substance, which instantly mends the creature's wounds. The subject, which we are code-naming Omega Pirate based on these developments, shows potential to be a new standard for our armies. Our only concern at this point is its potential overdependence on Phazon."

Real-World etymology

The chameleon is a lizard clade perhaps best known for some species' ability to change color for camouflage and social purposes via specialized chromatophores. "Manta" is Spanish for "cloak" or "blanket."

Gallery

Metroid Prime Remastered. The Omega Pirate using its Chameleon Manta to hide itself while absorbing Phazon. The creature is revealed by Samus's X-Ray Visor.