Metroid Database Bestiary

Semi-sentient insect-like aliens found deep within Brinstar. These dangerous creatures flutter through the air and suddenly strike with their scythe-like forearms. They can also spit a highly acidic saliva a distance of over two meters. Hardy and adaptive, they can survive in environments hostile to most creatures.

Kihunters are found in many areas throughout Zebes. They infested the jungle and swampy areas of Brinstar, parts of Crateria, as well as the Wrecked Ship. The strongest Kihunters live in the Chozo Ruins of Lower Norfair, where they have adapted great strength and stamina.

Kihunters fly in the air and will swoop down and attack with their claws when Samus gets close. You will often have to jump and shoot or fire diagonally to take them out. In addition, if a Kihunter takes enough damage, its wings will fall off. A clipped Kihunter hops around and can still attack with its claws, but it will also spit a caustic acid. Kihunters are best dispatched with the Charge Beam or any other high-powered beam weapon or with Missiles.

Kihunters can take a good deal of firepower to take down, especially the ones in the Wrecked Ship. If you do not have a powerful beam weapon, use Super Missiles instead.

Lower Norfair Kihunters should only be killed with the Screw Attack. Don't bother using anything else.

In Metroid Fusion, it was revealed that Kihunter larvae are Zeros. In Metroid: Other M, the Kihunters have also built a hive in the Biosphere, constructing a vast umbrella of thorns to protect the hive and the King Kihunter at its center. The thorns resembled those found in Green Brinstar.