facehuggers

The facehugger is a parasitic larval form of the Xenomorph XX121 alien creature featured in the Alien film franchise. It is characterized by its arachnid-like appearance, possessing eight leg-like appendages and a prehensile tail. Its primary function is to implant a developing Xenomorph embryo into a suitable host.

Facehuggers are typically released from ovomorphs, or eggs, which are laid by a Queen Xenomorph. Upon sensing a potential host, an ovomorph will open, and a facehugger will rapidly emerge and attach itself to the host's face. It uses its appendages to secure itself firmly around the host's head, covering the mouth and nasal passages. This attachment serves to incapacitate the host and also to deliver the embryo orally.

Once attached, the facehugger will remain on the host's face until the implantation process is complete. During this time, it injects a form of amniotic fluid that paralyzes the host and prevents rejection of the embryo. After a period, the facehugger detaches and dies, leaving the host to incubate the implanted embryo. The facehugger itself is a purely biological weapon, lacking any complex intelligence or sentience. It is driven by instinct to ensure the continuation of the Xenomorph life cycle.