Metroid larva

:This article is about the common Metroid stage. For other uses, see Metroid larva (Disambiguation).
A Metroid larvaMetroid: Samus Returns Official Guide is the third stage of the Metroid's life cycle.
An extension of the prior Infant stage, this iconic form is the most common and recognizable of the species in the series of the same name. In fact, the larvae are encountered so often that they are usually referred to simply as Metroids within the games and in outside media; the "Metroid larva" name is merely a retronym. "Normal Metroid" or "Regular Metroid" is also frequently used outside of official sources.
Metroid larvae are extremely ravenous and are constantly seeking to eat as much life energy from other lifeforms as possible. On the Metroid homeworld of SR388, all larvae eventually metamorphose into Alpha Metroids. However, the former possess unique biological traits that make them a favorable specimen over the later stages of their life cycle for bioweapon research and experiments.
On the Japanese website for Metroid: Zero Mission, the Metroid larva is given the title of .
==Physiology==
The body mostly consists of a thick, round, translucent membrane resembling a jellyfish's hood, typically ranging in color from green to blue. In the original game for the NES/Famicom, several Metroids' membranes rapidly alternated between green and red between frames of animation, making them appear reddish-brown when viewed with the naked eye, although this distinction is omitted from later instalments in the series. Within this membrane are four red, spherical organs resembling nuclei, closely arranged so only three are visible from most angles. Many neuron-like connections grow out of these nuclei, branching throughout the Metroid's upper body.
The larva's leech-like maw lies beneath the membrane, and features two pairs of mandibles: the larger pair for gripping their prey, and the smaller for siphoning out its life energy. The aforementioned maw is likely used in conjunction with the large fangs to strengthen their hold on prey. Although they were depicted as having four fangs in the NES/FDS sprites and in each appearance since, the original artwork for them varied slightly, either depicting six segmented tentacles (American artwork as well as Famiken Ryu) or otherwise having multiple small tendrils and two fangs (Japanese Metroid guide).
The artwork of the Metroid larva made for Samus Returns features a red spot in-between the smaller pair of fangs. In some cases, it resembles a red eye. This is a peculiar detail, as the Metroid is not known to possess any ocular organs until it develops into an Alpha Metroid.
==Abilities and behavior==
Metroid larvae perpetually fly in the air despite lacking any visible means of propulsion. They are also seemingly able to see their surroundings without the use of conventional sensory organs.
When they detect the presence of prey, they will begin pursuing it relentlessly; their single method of attack consists of attaching themselves to the target, usually on the upper half of the body (covering the head and chest in their entirety if possible) and continuously absorb its energy. Their flight speed is often high, quickly making a beeline for their target. However, in the first Metroid game, the aforementioned Metroids with red-flashing membranes are noticeably slower than other larvae; this has also been omitted from later instalments. Once attached to their prey, the organisms are nearly impossible to dislodge and will rapidly drain their victim's life energy entirely, often killing it in seconds. When a Metroid is feeding, any others nearby will either patiently wait for the opportunity to take the former's place if it loses its grip, or simply feed on any unoccupied parts of the victim; in the latter case, the rate of which the energy is drained from the body is increased dramatically. Detonating Bombs (or Power Bombs on individuals having adapted to the conditions of SR388) in close proximity is the only known way of removing an attached Metroid larva, consequently making Samus one of the very few beings capable of surviving such an attack. While there are two other notable survivors, they overcame different forms of Metroid that attack in the same manner as an ordinary larva:
*Proteus Ridley was strong enough to tear an Infant Metroid off his face with his hands.
*Mother Brain was capable of resurrecting herself after being completely drained by the Big Metroid.
Similar to real-world larvae, Metroid larvae are highly ravenous and will feed on any and all living organisms they encounter, with the exception of their own species. They are capable of draining the energy from artificial life forms and technology as well, such as Samus' Power Suit. It can be assumed that their hunger is driven by a need to fuel their metamorphosis to the next stage(s) of their life cycle; indeed, older individuals are noticeably less gluttonous.
Despite these ferocious traits, Metroid larvae theoretically have the capacity to heal wounded organisms by giving them life energy drained from other victims. This is seen through the actions performed by the baby in both its Infant (Metroid: Samus Returns) and mutated Giant Metroid (Super Metroid) forms, which are stages that preceded and seemingly followed its larva form respectively. The energy stored in a larva can also be forcefully drained and used for other purposes, allowing the creature to be used as a living rechargeable power cell. However, a scan in Metroid Prime 2: Echoes reveals that repeated energy drains can cause cellular breakdown to occur in the Metroid.
A trait that is seemingly unique to both the Infant and larva forms is their ability to asexually reproduce via division when exposed to Beta-rays. This process is akin to a cell undergoing mitosis. Thus, their numbers can be artificially increased without the need of a Queen Metroid.
==Membrane and nuclei==
Contrary to all later stages in the species' life cycle, a larva's membrane is extremely durable. In fact, no conventional weapon is capable of wounding the creature unless it is first exposed to its major vulnerability: cold temperatures. Metroid larvae tend to become sluggish in frigid conditions and their membranes are easily frozen solid with the Ice Beam, allowing the creatures to be shattered and killed by concussive weaponry, requiring either five Missiles or 1 Super Missile. Depending on the breed of Metroid, Power Bombs can both remove and harm attached larvae; the Metroids on Zebes die within three detonations, while the original strain from SR388 cannot be wounded by these explosions but are instantly detached from what they are feeding on.
Though it has yet to be explained why the membranes of older Metroids can be readily harmed without the need to freeze them first, it is worthy to note that only hatchlings and larvae possess four nuclei. The later Alpha, Gamma, Zeta and Omega Metroids have lost all but a single nucleus, which not only suggests that this affects the membrane's defenses, but also that the missing nuclei transformed into the new bodies observed in the stages following the larval form. The nuclei can thus be interpreted as having a similar function to stem cells.
==Adaptations and mutations==
One of the most powerful qualities of a Metroid larva is its capacity to adapt on any planet, with the exception of those with global sub-zero climates. Both the atmosphere and environmental stimuli of a foreign world can trigger the larva's body to go through subtle or drastic physiological and anatomical changes, seemingly with the purpose of allowing the organism to hunt on the new planet without hindrance.
This adaptation is not flawless however. Without SR388's environmental conditions and possibly its Aeion energy, the larva will be unable to metamorphose into the advanced, less voracious stages observed on its homeworld, consequently trapping the organism in a perpetual state of hunger. This turns the Metroid into a major threat on an alien planet, as a small number of insatiable Metroid larvae could potentially wipe out all life on it. This danger is further compounded by their invulnerability to most forms of weaponry as well, which makes dealing with the invasive Metroids an extremely difficult task for the native inhabitants.
Interestingly, it is the Metroid larva's inability to molt outside of SR388 that caused the erroneous belief that the iconic, jellyfish-like phase was the only form of the species, unaware of the fact that further developed Metroids could be found on the unexplored homeworld. Coincidentally, Metroid larvae were the first specimens discovered by the Galactic Federation and the first form given to the entire species by their Chozo creators.
These adaptations, along with their extracting of life energy, high defenses and the Beta-Rays' capacity to artificially increase the number of larvae, are what caused the Space Pirates to gain such a high interest to use Metroids as bioweapons. Furthermore, it was discovered that Metroid larvae are particularly responsive to radioactive elements such as Phazon. Within a few years, research and experiments performed on their near-limitless supply of specimens across differing planets led to the creation of many mutants. Each aberration possesses unique qualities and some manage to escape their larval phase entirely despite being outside of SR388, allowing the Metroids to achieve radically altered forms. In time, the Galactic Federation itself would begin seeking to use Metroid larvae for its own purposes as well.
A complete list of mutations in the species created through various means can be seen here.
==Relationship with the Chozo==
Although Metroid larvae have been known throughout the series as untamable, vicious predators constantly seeking out food, the Chozo Memories featured in Metroid: Samus Returns reveal this was not always the case.
Indeed, when the creation of the very first Metroid was completed in the Chozo laboratory, their creators are shown confidently releasing it from its container in their presence. Several larvae are then seen accompanying the Chozo in their hunt for X Parasites; the Metroids are solely targeting all things related to the X (their pure form, infected victims and mimicries) without harming the Chozo. A third image demonstrates the Metroids continuing to roam freely in close proximity of the Chozo, as the former keep the latter safe from X Parasite stragglers.
This peaceful cohabitation would come to an end when the Metroid larvae molted into the advanced stages of their life cycle. The Chozo began to lose control of the species and are shown being attacked by their creations, leading to the end of their civilization on SR388.
It is unknown how the Chozo managed to keep Metroid larvae tame for as long as they did. All future attempts to tame the Metroids by Space Pirates have ended in failure, as evidenced by numerous casualties in the series. The Galactic Federation's facilities have always kept their Metroid specimens contained, an indication that they are also unsuccessful in controlling them.
==Official data==
===Metroid manual===
;Metroid
:"This protoplasm in suspended animation was discovered on the planet SR388. It clings onto Samus' body and sucks hisThe English manual for the original Metroid referred to Samus as a male, not a female energy. It can't be destroyed directly with the normal beam. Freeze it with the ice beam, and then fire 5 missile blasts at it."
====Virtual Console retranslation====
;Metroid
:"This protoplasm, discovered on the planet SR388, clings to Samus and drains her energy. It can't be defeated with a normal beam, just repelled. Use a combination of the Ice Beam and missiles to defeat it."
===The Official Nintendo Player's Guide===
;METROID
:"This is a mysterious life form which was discovered on the planet SR388. It sticks to Samus’ body and sucks out his energy."
===Nintendo Power Volume 29===
;METROIDOLOGY
:"The Metroid are a race of semi-intelligent aliens controlled by the Mother Brain. They drain life energy from humans."
;METROID MANAGEMENT
:"The Metroids don't die easily. Two steps are required to defeat them. First, blast a Metroid with the Ice Beam, freezing it solid. Second, use five missiles to destroy it. Defeated Metroids leave behind super energy and missile refills that quickly replenish your stock."
;THE METROID HOLD
:"Metroids move swiftly and won't let go if they grab you. If a Metroid does put its hold on you, there are two ways to escape. In most cases, roll up and use your bombs. Eventually the Metroid will let go. If you're near a door, go through the door; the Metroid won't."
===Metroid II: Return of Samus manual===
;METROID
:"This is their first shape after hatching from eggs. They will cling to any creature that they can find, drawing its victim's life energy away."
===Metroid II: Return of Samus Virtual Console manual===
;Metroid
:"This juvenile has just hatched from its egg and will cling to any creature it can find, drawing its victim's life energy away."
===Nintendo Power Volume 37===
;THE ORIGINALS RETURN
:"The Queen Metroid has hatched several new Metroids. These creatures haven't been heard from since the original adventure. Freeze them with the Ice Beam, then finish them off with five Missiles each. They'll be gone, but they won't leave behind items like the last ones did."
===Super Metroid manual===
;FLOATING LIFE FORMS - METROIDS
:"It is said that Metroids are life forms created by an ancient civilization. Metroids engulf living creatures and absorb their energy. They are very intelligent and quick to reproduce."
===Super Metroid Nintendo Player's Guide===
METROID
===Super Metroid Players' Guide===
;The Metroids (page 70):"These aliens are tough with a capital T! You need to freeze the sucker first, then follow up with either one Super Missile shot or five missiles. You'll need to use bombs to shake it off if it grabs hold of you."
===Super Smash Bros. Melee Trophy===
"A parasitic life form that can absorb all types of energy, Metroids have strong resistance to most conventional weaponry. To defeat them, Samus Aran had to freeze them with Ice Beam shots and then blast them with missiles. Mochtroids, which look like Metroids, are weaker, with fewer internal nuclei."
(Metroid 08/89).
===Official Metroid Fusion website===
"These energy-based creatures have the ability to absorb the life force from any living thing. As the natural predator of X-Parasites, however, the Metroid may now be the key to Samus's survival."
An energy-based life-form with a translucent, spherical upper body. Claw-like spikes protrude from the lower-half of the creature, which it uses to latch onto its prey."
===Official Metroid Prime website===
"Metroids are highly dangerous parasites averse to cold temperatures. The dominant species of planet SR388, Metroids can suck the life force out of living things. A Metroid will latch onto its prey and drain energy, growing larger as it does.
===Metroid Prime Pinball manual===
"An energy based, highly dangerous parasite."
===Metroid: Zero Mission manual===
;Metroids
:"Metroids are the floating organisms discovered on planet SR388. These fearsome predators latch onto other organisms and leech the life energy out of their prey."
===Official Metroid: Zero Mission website===
"SPECIMEN ID# M-1A
"Extremely dangerous! Gelatinous exterior of Metroid makes it impervious to beam weapons. Metroids can only be destroyed by Missiles while frozen. Large claws grip prey while smaller front fangs drain its life force. Transform to Morph Ball and use Bombs to escape grip. DANGER LEVEL: HIGH"
*"Gelatinous exterior"
*"Multiple brain stems"
*"Gripping claws" (Outer)
*"Energy-sapping fangs" (Inner)
===Super Smash Bros. Brawl Trophy===
"A bioengineered life-form found on planet SR388. Metroids attach to organisms and drain life energy. The Galactic Federation commissions Samus to eliminate them, but Space Pirates try to harness their power. One of the few ways Samus can kill Metroids is by shooting them with the Ice Beam and then shattering them with missiles. The Metroid's cry is chilling and indescribable."
Metroid (1987)
Metroid II: Return of Samus (1991)
===Smash Bros. DOJO!!===
"Like the name says, this Assist Trophy is from the game Metroid. It's an artificial life-form that absorbs all kinds of energy.
In our game, it also attaches to the head and starts to drain its victim. Since it will increase your damage, try to shake it loose."
===Nintendo Land===
"This genetically engineered life-form leeches energy from living things. Freeze it to expose its weak spots."
===Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U Trophy===
;NTSC
:"First discovered on planet SR388, this floating life-form grows by absorbing the energy around it. It is incredibly durable but extremely weak to cold. In Smash Bros., a Metroid will grab a rival by the head and drain energy. If you get grabbed, shake it off by pressing left and right!"
;PAL
:"Mysterious floating life-forms, discovered on the planet SR388, that absorb energy from other living beings. They're tough, except when they're cold. In this game, they'll try to attach themselves to fighters' heads and drain their energy. Press all the buttons you can to shake them off!"
===Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U Tips===
"These alien creatures float around and then try to clamp down on you with their sharp fangs. Quickly struggle to break free from their grasp."
===Smash Tour (SSB4 Official Game Guide)===
"Lasts 5 turns or until a player bumps into it two times"
"Bumping into this enemy costs you several stat boosts! Reclaim lost stat boosts by bumping ino it a second time."
=== Metroid: Samus Returns Official Guide ===
;INHABITANTS & ECO SYSTEM OF SR388 - METROIDS (p. 21)
:METROID LARVA
:"The quintessential Metroid by most players’ reckoning, the Metroid larva is the standard green, bulbous creature adorned with three eye-like organs and is only too happy to sap the life energy out of anything it can wrap its mandibles around. Like all Metroids (save for the Queen), Metroid larvae hate the Ice Beam, but they’re particularly weak against it, compared to their older brothers and sisters. Combine the frosty weapon with a missile or two, and Metroid larvae offer little more threat than a kitten."
==Appearances in other media==
*Metroids appear in Nintendo Comics System's The Coming of a Hero, Deceit Du Jour, and Captain N: The Game Master's Breakout. With the original Metroid being the only game at the time, all depictions of Metroids in these comics are based upon the Metroid larva.
**Metroids also appear in the Captain N TV series, as some of the monsters spawned by Game Boy in its debut episode. Each Metroid has a jellyfish-like membrane and tentacles, much like its NES manual artwork, but also has a flabby torso and a single eyeball. Concept art confirms that these creatures were intended to be Metroids, and storyboards show these Metroids with a design that much more closely match the NES manual artwork, with multiple nuclei and segmented tentacles. As stated above, with the original Metroid being the only game at the time, these Metroids can retroactively be considered larvae.
*Metroid larvae, or creatures nearly identical to them, appear as foes in the Kid Icarus franchise under the name Komayto.
**The original NES/Famicom game, Komaytos can be found flying around Skyworld in packs during Medusa's occupation of the heavens. They are blue and purple in color and attack by colliding against Pit. The instruction manual states Komaytos may have come from another planet, alluding to a Metroid's extraterrestrial origin.
**The sequel, Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters, feature redesigned Komaytos that stray away from a Metroid's standard appearance. They carry one nucleus in their membrane and a single fang underneath.
**Kid Icarus: Uprising brings back the Komaytos in their original design. Their bodies are predominantly blue with only their nuclei and neuron-like fibers being red in color. They attack by approaching Pit and latching onto his upper body to absorb energy, though can be removed by shaking Pit in all directions. A Komayto is invulnerable to all projectiles but not melee attacks, a possible reference to a Metroid Larva's near indestructible trait. Pit states himself that "Komaytos kind of look like little Metroids" before being hushed by Viridi, with the latter further stating that the Kid Icarus and Metroid series have no connection to each other. This is one of many fourth wall breaks in Uprising. In addition, the god Hades has a similar race of creature known as Cellular Komaytos patrolling his stomach acting as his immune system. This may hint that Komaytos are truly of demon origin rather than extraterrestrial, but otherwise nothing has been confirmed.
*A Metroid, albeit with a blue coloring, is a collectible treasure in Wario Land II. They are also often in 9-Volt's microgames in the WarioWare series, such as WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!, WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Party Game$!, WarioWare: Touched! and WarioWare: Twisted!.
*Metroids made an appearance in Kirby's Dream Land 3 for the SNES. If Kirby freezes all the Metroids in the level, Samus removes her helmet and gives Kirby a Heart Star.
*In Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, a Metroid is used on the tab for the creatures section of the Logbook. Interesting to note is that the Metroid depicted here has six nuclei, five encircling the top of a larger, centralized nuclei.
*The baby from Metroid: Samus Returns and Super Metroid appears as an item in the Nintendo DS game Animal Crossing: Wild World. It appears in its signature capsule, and if tapped will play a few seconds of the Super Metroid Title Screen theme. It is a rare item that is acquired randomly by shooting down Gulliver. The item also appears in Animal Crossing: City Folk, but cannot be transferred through the ingame catalogue due to the item's rarity. It acts the same way as before and is obtained in the same manner as well; it will play the entire Super Metroid theme this time however. The same item appears once again in Animal Crossing: New Leaf, but it is not obtained through the same method as the two previous games. Instead, it is randomly acquired through fortune cookies, which the player can buy using two of the 3DS's Play Coins. This version also plays only a few seconds of the title theme.
*In Tetris 99, there is a single player game mode called Catch Mode where players catch Tetraminos (blocks) in order to create a 4X4 square and detonating it to make the cluster smaller. The Brinstar theme plays during this and encapsulated Metroids (in capsules similar to the Metroid hatchling's) fall down. If touched, the energy meter will go down and the cluster becomes smaller.
*A Metroid is shown in a capsule in Singularity along with the message "Mother my brain hurts".
*A Metroid is seen in a tank in Starcraft 2: Wings of Liberty in the secret Mission "Piercing the Shroud." It is very similar to that of the baby.
*A Metroid appears as an Easter Egg in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze level 4-3 "Amiss Abyss", which can only be seen by backtracking to an earlier part of the level.
===Super Smash Bros series===
The Metroid species, represented by the larval stage, appears throughout the Super Smash Bros. series, typically as an unlockable Trophy and as an Assist Trophy that can be summoned during matches.
====Super Smash Bros.====
Metroids are given a minor reference in Super Smash Bros., where they are briefly mentioned in Samus's "Characters" bio in the "Data" section of SSB. Her bio says that Samus "...pursues the airborne life form, Metroid, throughout the whole universe."
====Super Smash Bros. Melee====
In Super Smash Bros. Melee, a Metroid larva makes its debut as an unlockable Trophy. Exclusive to this game's trophy, the lab from Super Metroid is reflected off of the larva's membrane.
====Super Smash Bros. Brawl====
In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the Metroid larva makes its debut as an Assist Trophy. When summoned, the Metroid will latch onto its summoner's opponents and "drain" them of energy (what they actually do is increase the victim's damage, but can still sap health if a stamina match is being played). It can be shaken off, which will cause it to try and seek another victim. Unlike in the Metroid series, the Metroid larva can pass through platforms. Using Up Special Moves while the Metroid is latched on to a character cancels the move after the few starting frames; this can be done multiple times in a row. This allows some characters to stay in the air for quite a while.
The Metroid unlockable Trophy returns as well. The Metroid artwork from Zero Mission also appears as a sticker, which can be applied to Samus or Zero Suit Samus to boost their electric attacks in the Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary.
=====Stickers=====
*Metroid Metroid: Zero Mission - [Electric] Attack +20 (Samus, Zero Suit Samus)
====Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U====
In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, the Metroid returns as a Trophy and Assist Trophy. Interestingly, the model of a Metroid larva exhibits unnaturally large inner-fangs; in fact, they appear to be larger than the outer ones.
In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, the Metroid larva appears as one of many enemies in the Smash Run game mode. It behaves very similarly to the Assist Trophy version.
In Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, the Metroid larva appears as one of the enemies in the Smash Tour game mode. It lasts on the board for 5 turns, but will disappear sooner if a player bumps into it two times. A player who bumps into the Metroid will be "drained" of their stat boosts, but these can be reclaimed by bumping into the Metroid again.
====Super Smash Bros. Ultimate====
In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the Metroid Assist Trophy returns. Unlike previous titles, most Assist Trophies are now vulnerable to players' attacks and can be KOed, but the Metroid is unique among these due to the requirement of ice element attacks if one wishes to vanquish it. Otherwise, the larva will remain on the stage until it vanishes on its own.
A Metroid larva also acts as one of many Spirit characters in the game, which can be equipped to any character and fight alongside them. Its artwork is taken from Metroid: Samus Returns, and it can be immediately unlocked using the Metroid amiibo from that game. The Metroid (alongside Darknut, Dr. Eggman, Rover, Naked Snake, Chain Chomp, and Galeem) is featured on the main menu when selecting the Spirits mode.
The Metroid is an Ace class Support Spirit, which grants the KOs Heal Damage skill. In the World of Light, it can be found in The Light Realm's volcanic region, directly in front of Zero Suit Samus's location. It can also be randomly encountered through the Spirit Board. The Metroid is fought while using Ridley (in his green alternate costume) as a Puppet Fighter, on the Battlefield Form of Planet Zebes: Brinstar. During this battle, the Metroid is considered a Grab type. To replicate the Metroid's ability to latch onto its prey and drain energy, the Sticky Floor hazard is in play, and Ridley can heal himself through melee attacks. Additionally, the Metroid Assist Trophy participates in the battle as an ally of Ridley.
The Metroid appeared more frequently on the Spirit Board during the Well-Rounded Spirits event, which also featured the Metroid on its promotional artwork. During this event, defeating the Metroid in Spirit Battles would reward extra Spirit Points.Event: Well-Rounded Spirits The Metroid was featured again in the Green Is The New Black event, where defeating Metroid would reward extra gold.Event: Green Is the New Black
====Gallery====
File:MetroidMelee.jpg|Melee trophy (note the reflection of Ceres Space Colony on the membrane).
File:Assist15 080206a.jpg|"No! Stop! Get off my head!"
File:Metroid Assist trophy.jpg|Smash Bros. DOJO!!
File:HiddenSaturn.png|A hidden Mr. Saturn sprite can be seen on the Metroid's textures in Brawl
File:BrawlTrophy6.jpg|Brawl trophy.
File:SSB43DSTrophyMetroid.png|3DS trophy.
File:SSB4UTrophyMetroid.png|Wii U trophy.
Metroid in Spirits SSBU.png|Ultimate Spirit
===Nintendo Land===
Metroids appear as robot animatronics in the Metroid Blast attraction of Nintendo Land. Behaving similarly to the Tallon Metroids, they float around in irregular patterns before making lunging at a Mii with their fangs at the ready. Unlike Metroid games, there is no way for a Mii to shake off a Metroid that has latched onto them; the Metroid will automatically let go once it has drained one Life point from the Mii.
The only way to defeat a Metroid is to first freeze it, since its membrane is impervious to cannon fire and explosives. Miis can freeze a Metroid with the Ice Charge Shot, or they can trick an ice Zebesian into shooting a Metroid. Once frozen, all three red power buttons (representing the Metroid's internal nuclei) must be shot to destroy the Metroid.
In Assault Mission, two missions (14. Defend Your Allies and 26. Defend Your Allies 2) have the objective of defending three ally Zero Suit Miis from Metroids in the Volcanic Sector. These Metroids ignore the player Miis and only target the ally Miis. After latching onto an ally Mii, the Metroid holds on for ten seconds before dropping the Mii into the lava pit, failing the mission. Fortunately, they will safely let go of the ally Mii if shot by player Miis, and the mission is completed once two minutes have passed without losing any allies.
A Metroid is also a Nintendo Land Plaza prize that can be randomly unlocked through the Central Tower pachinko game. When interacted with, it plays its lunging animation.
==Development notes==
Early footage of Super Metroid shows that Metroid larvae were initially going to be present in Maridia instead of the far weaker Mochtroids. The former's sprites are also slightly different from the final version, and the room is not present.Kottpower. "Super Metroid Beta Footage (1993-1994)". YouTube. August 25, 2017. Retrieved May 21, 2022. (starts at 1:22)
==Trivia==
thumb|201x201px|The only Metroid larva seen in Metroid Fusion (bottom-right container).
*Metroid Fusion is the only game featuring the Metroid species that did not have its larvae in an active role, as the only Metroid larva in the game is kept in suspended animation within a container in the background.
*The Metroid larva's smaller size, its high susceptibility to being frozen and its predictable attack pattern, may all be additional factors as to why the Space Pirates put more value in this basic form of the species over the later stages. Indeed, as the creature ages, it not only becomes impossible to completely freeze, but also grows larger and gains new, complex attacks that likely make the Metroid a less convenient option for controlled experiments.
* The amount of time a Metroid larva stays encased in ice after being hit with the Ice Beam varies throughout the series. Currently, Metroid: Zero Mission and Metroid: Samus Returns are the games in which the organisms remain frozen for the shortest period (less than two seconds). In the latter game, they remain frozen for an extended period if the beam is charged beforehand. In the former game, they remain frozen longer if the game is played on Easy Mode.
* The factor that determines whether multiple larval Metroids will group-feed on a single target, or wait for the chance to replace the one currently eating, is unknown. This behavior usually varies between the games, with the larvae from the original Metroid, Metroid II: Return of Samus and Super Metroid being able to simultaneously feed on Samus. Those featured in Other M and Samus Returns will instead float nearby if one of their own is already feasting. Zero Mission is currently the only game to exhibit both behaviors, as Metroid larvae can be seen in a cutscene group-feeding on a Zebesian Pirate, but will take turns attacking Samus during gameplay.
**In the first three games of the series, Metroids that simultaneously fed on Samus would occupy the same area of space (her body's upper half), effectively distorting their sprites with each additional individual. With proper timing, she can shake them all off simultaneously with a single or multiple Bomb detonations and quickly freeze all larvae with a single Ice Beam shot due to their sprites being so closely compacted together. This is difficult to pull off, as improper bombings will fail to remove all attached Metroids at the same time.
**Group-feeding behavior was also observed in Infant Metroids during the events of Metroid Fusion, specifically when they attacked an SA-X in the Restricted Laboratory.
*In all the games of the series featuring normal Metroid larvae, the NES/Famicom Metroid remains as the only one where the creatures can be infinitely respawned by simply exiting and re-entering the rooms in which they are found. All other games have a set number of larvae that remain gone after killing them.
**Metroid: Zero Mission, the remake of the NES/Famicom game, not only removed the respawning trait of the larvae, but also allowed players to greatly increase their numbers by starting a new game file on the Hard Mode setting.
*In Samus Returns, Metroid larvae are shown alongside an unprotected Mother Brain within her Zebesian Command Center in an image retelling the events of Zero Mission. The image uses artistic license; Metroids were never present in the Space Pirate leader's room, since they have repeatedly been stated to be uncontrollable and would devour Mother Brain if her protective glass container was broken.
**The image was most likely an homage to a similar artwork found in the Japanese guide for Metroid.
*The Metroid larva sprite from the original NES game appears in the introduction sequence of Metroid Dread, beside a hologram of the Metroid vaccine.
==Gallery==
MetroidTent.PNG|Official artwork of a larva for the original Metroid game.
Samus artwork 7.png|Additional artwork of Metroid larvae for the instruction manual
Metroidchibi.png|Artwork for the Japanese Metroid Guide
Metroidchibi2.png|Additional Japanese artwork
Metroid Enemy Metroid.gif|Metroid sprite.
Metroidcard.png|Canadian Topps card
Famicom Choco - Metroid.png|Famicom Choco
Metroid Famiken Ryu.png|Famiken Ryu
MZIO page 245.JPG|A Metroid larva attacking Samus in Metroid: Zebes Invasion Order
MZIO page 277.JPG|A frozen Metroid larva in Zebes Invasion Order
Captain N Metroids 1.png|Metroid larvae as depicted in Captain N: The Game Master
Captain N Metroids 2.png|Metroid larvae attacking Kevin Keene
MDR UK MII Metroid Larva Crop.png|Metroid II: Return of Samus artwork
Metroid return of samus.jpg|Sprite in Return of Samus
Metroid regular.gif|Animated Metroid larva sprite in Super Metroid
SM - Tourian Metroid.png|A Metroid larva in Tourian in Super Metroid
KirbyMetroids.png|Metroids in Kirby's Dream Land 3.
Metroid S&J.jpg|A Metroid larva as depicted in Samus and Joey.
Metroid manga.png|Metroid Fusion Special Edition: Rebirth of Samus
MZM Metroid.jpg|Zero Mission official artwork
Assist15 080206 art1.jpg|Metroid Assist Trophy in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
OtherM MetroidLarva Crop.png|In Metroid: Other M.
Metroid Other M Metroid Art 94.jpg|Other M Gallery Mode.
Smash Run Metroid.png|A Metroid in Smash Run, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.
Miitomo Gift Box 1.png|Miitomo Metroid Hat.
Samus Wig and Zero Suit in Miitomo with Metroid pet.png|Metroid pet in Miitomo.
MSR Larva Metroid artwork.png|Metroid: Samus Returns
MSR Art Gallery 002.png|Artwork from Samus Returns
Samus Returns Larva Metroid draining Samus.jpg|A Metroid larva attacks Samus in Samus Returns.
Eight Metroids growing.jpg|Promotional artwork for Samus Returns
Development History Metroid larva holograph.png|Metroid Dread hologram
Queen Metroid flashback in Dread.png|Metroid larvae with their Queen in a Metroid Dread flashback
MD Ending Rewards 01 - MZM.jpg|Ending Reward 01, Metroid Dread
Metroid_Dread_Special_Edition_Artbook_01.png|Metroid Dread artbook
NSO Samus Icons.jpg|Metroid larva icon available through Nintendo Switch Online from September 26-October 3, 2022.
==Notes and References==
Category:Metroids
Category:Zebes
Category:Tourian
Category:SR388
Category:Surface
Category:Area 8
Category:BOTTLE SHIP
Category:Bioweapon Research Center
Category:BSL
Category:Restricted Zone
Category:Trophies
Category:Stickers
Category:Spirits
Category:Nintendo Land
Category:Main antagonists