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{{Quote|Woke up gagging on a creature — like a spider. It wrapped around my face. It's dead, sir.|Pvt. '''[[Bella Clarison|Clarison]]''', referring to the Facehugger (from {{ACM}})}}{{Species Infobox
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{{Quote|Woke up gagging on a creature — like a spider. It wrapped around my face. It's dead, sir.|Pvt. '''[[Bella Clarison|Clarison]]''' to Capt. ''[[Jeremy Cruz|Cruz]]'', referring to a Facehugger (from {{ACM}})}}
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{{Species Infobox
 
|name=Facehugger
 
|name=Facehugger
 
|image=[[Image:Alien-The Facehugger.png|300px]]
 
|image=[[Image:Alien-The Facehugger.png|300px]]
 
|imagecaption = A Facehugger attached to [[Gilbert Kane|Kane]].
 
|imagecaption = A Facehugger attached to [[Gilbert Kane|Kane]].
 
|homeworld= [[Xenomorph Prime]], potentially any planet
 
|homeworld= [[Xenomorph Prime]], potentially any planet
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|height=3' (Length)
|height=3' (Length),mkxzhbczj,bczbjsjchhjh,jzbzxz'''''Italic text'''jjbhhhmasbjbjchvzm fuck fuck shit lets have sex to marrow
 
''
 
 
|weight=10 lbs
 
|weight=10 lbs
|distinctions = Dies after implantation is complete
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|distinctions = Dies minutes or hours after implantation is complete
 
|affiliation={{Xeno}}
 
|affiliation={{Xeno}}
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|skincolor = Beige}}
|skincolor = Beige}}The '''Facehugger''' is parasitoid form of the species [[Xenomorph XX121 (Alien)|Xenomorph XX121]] that hatches from an [[Ovomorph (Egg)|Egg]]. It is the second stage in the Xenomorph's life cycle, and exists solely to implant a [[Chestburster]] embryo within a host creature via their mouth. As such, it has no real offensive capabilities (beyond an ability to spit [[Xenomorph blood|acid]], which is generally only used to gain access to hosts and not for attack)<ref name="A1">{{cite video|people=[[Dan O'Bannon]], [[Ronald Shusett]] (writers) and [[Ridley Scott]] (director)|title='{{A1}}'|medium=DVD|publisher=[[20th Century Fox]]|date=1986}}</ref><ref name="A3">{{cite video|people=[[Vincent Ward]] (writer) and [[David Fincher]] (director)|title='{{A3}}'|medium=DVD|publisher=[[20th Century Fox]]|date=1992}}</ref> and must rely on stealth, surprise or their victims being previously immobilized by other Xenomorphs to achieve implantation. Notably, a Facehugger dies shortly after its task has been completed. Facehuggers are around 3 feet in length from the end of their forwardmost digits to the tip of their tail.
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The '''Facehugger''' is a parasitoid form of the species [[Xenomorph XX121 (Alien)|Xenomorph XX121]] that hatches from an [[Ovomorph (Egg)|Egg]]. It is the second stage in the Xenomorph's life cycle, and exists solely to implant a [[Chestburster]] embryo within a host creature via their mouth. As such, it has no real offensive capabilities (beyond an ability to spit [[Xenomorph blood|acid]], which is generally only used to gain access to hosts and not for attack)<ref name="A1">{{cite video|people=[[Dan O'Bannon]], [[Ronald Shusett]] (writers) and [[Ridley Scott]] (director)|title='{{A1}}'|medium=DVD|publisher=[[20th Century Fox]]|date=1986}}</ref><ref name="A3">{{cite video|people=[[Vincent Ward]] (writer) and [[David Fincher]] (director)|title='{{A3}}'|medium=DVD|publisher=[[20th Century Fox]]|date=1992}}</ref> and must rely on stealth, surprise or their victims being previously immobilized by an attacker to achieve implantation. Notably, a Facehugger dies shortly after its task has been completed. Facehuggers are around 3 feet in length from the end of their forwardmost digits to the tip of their tail.
   
 
The Facehugger first appeared in {{A1}} and has gone on to be featured in numerous expanded media. Some video games of the [[Alien vs. Predator (franchise)|''Alien vs. Predator'' franchise]] have even allowed players to take control of a Facehugger as part of their Alien campaigns.
 
The Facehugger first appeared in {{A1}} and has gone on to be featured in numerous expanded media. Some video games of the [[Alien vs. Predator (franchise)|''Alien vs. Predator'' franchise]] have even allowed players to take control of a Facehugger as part of their Alien campaigns.
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==Characteristics==
 
==Characteristics==
 
{{Quote|Looks like some kind of scorpion...|'''[[Sebastian De Rosa|Sebastian]]''', describing a frozen Facehugger corpse (from {{AVP1}} ''[[Alien vs. Predator Unrated Edition|Unrated Edition]]'')}}
 
{{Quote|Looks like some kind of scorpion...|'''[[Sebastian De Rosa|Sebastian]]''', describing a frozen Facehugger corpse (from {{AVP1}} ''[[Alien vs. Predator Unrated Edition|Unrated Edition]]'')}}
Facehuggers greatly resemble a pair of skeletal hands fused together, with a spine-like tail. Their long digits allow them to move rapidly across all manner of surfaces and also grant them their crucial ability to "grip" a host's head during embryo implantation. Despite their spindly appearance, these digits are incredibly strong, and have been known to tear the skin from the skulls of human victims when an attempt is made to remove them.<ref name="A1"/> Once the digits are gripped around a host's head, they are nigh impossible to remove and implantation is virtually guaranteed. A Facehugger's tail can propel the creature into huge leaps<ref name="A2">{{cite video|people=[[James Cameron]] (writer and director)|title='{{A2}}'|medium=DVD|publisher=[[20th Century Fox]]|date=1986}}</ref> and is also used for additional grip around a host's neck during implantation. Facehuggers have also been known to use their tail to strangle potential hosts when attempts are made to remove them, sometimes fatally. Their potent acid blood further complicates any attempt at removal. Facehuggers are primarily beige in color, giving them a skin-like appearance.
 
   
 
Facehuggers greatly resemble a pair of skeletal hands fused together, with a spine-like tail. Their long digits allow them to move rapidly across all manner of surfaces and also grant them their crucial ability to "grip" a host's head during embryo implantation. Their spindly appearance should not be underestimated; these digits are incredibly strong, and have been known to tear the skin from the skulls of human victims when an attempt is made to remove them.<ref name="A1" /> Once the digits are gripped around a host's head, they are nigh impossible to remove and implantation is virtually guaranteed. A Facehugger's tail can propel the creature into huge leaps<ref name="A2">{{cite video|people=[[James Cameron]] (writer and director)|title='{{A2}}'|medium=DVD|publisher=[[20th Century Fox]]|date=1986}}</ref> and is also used for additional grip around a host's neck during implantation. Facehuggers have even been known to use their tail to strangle potential hosts when attempts are made to remove them, sometimes fatally. Their potent acid blood further complicates any attempt at removal. Facehuggers are primarily beige in color, giving them a skin-like appearance.
Situated on either side of the creature's body at the base of the tail are a pair of bag-like bladder structures that are used to circulate air into the victims lungs during implantation. Underneath the Facehugger is a small orifice, from which the creature will extend a lengthy proboscis into the host's throat for embryo implantation. While fragile and not typically engaging in combat, Facehuggers' small size and rapid movement makes them adept at ambushing potential hosts, and also makes them difficult to kill.<ref name="AVP2010">{{cite video|title={{AVP2010}}|medium=Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360|publisher=[[Rebellion]]|date=[[2010]]}}</ref> Facehuggers have been known to be used in an actively offensive role when transported by a [[Carrier]], as shown in ''[[Alien vs. Predator: Extinction]]''.
 
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Situated on either side of the creature's body at the base of the tail are a pair of bag-like bladder structures that are used to circulate air into the victims lungs during implantation. Underneath the Facehugger is a small orifice, from which the creature will extend a lengthy proboscis into the host's throat for embryo implantation. While fragile and useless in combat, Facehuggers' small size and rapid movement makes them adept at ambushing potential hosts, and also makes them difficult to kill.<ref name="AVP2010">{{cite video|title={{AVP2010}}|medium=Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360|publisher=[[Rebellion]]|date=[[2010]]}}</ref> Facehuggers have been known to be used in an actively offensive role when transported by a [[Carrier]], as shown in ''[[Alien vs. Predator: Extinction]]''.
   
 
[[File:Face.png|thumb|250px|Facehuggers inside their eggs.]]
 
[[File:Face.png|thumb|250px|Facehuggers inside their eggs.]]
Facehuggers normally reside within their [[Ovomorph (Egg)|Ovomorph]] until disturbed by a potential host, at which point the Egg will open and the creature will launch itself at the victim; the manner in which the host is detected is not well understood. Although Facehuggers can survive outside of these Eggs for a period of time,<ref name="A2"/><ref name="AvP2">{{cite video|people=[[Dan O'Bannon]], [[Ronald Shusett]], [[Jim Thomas]], [[John Thomas]] (writers) and The [[Brothers Strause]] (directors)|title='{{AVP2}}'|medium=DVD|publisher=[[20th Century Fox]]|date=2007}}</ref> this is not common. Being submerged does not appear to affect them, as Facehuggers on [[Acheron (LV-426)|LV-426]] were stored in some form of preservative fluid for an extended period of time and were still able to function normally when released.<ref name="A2"/> They are also capable of healing incredibly quickly, cuts and lacerations closing within minutes without leaving any trace of permanent scarring.<ref name="Alienbook129">{{cite book|title=[[Alien (novel)|''Alien'' novelization]]|author=[[Alan Dean Foster]]|publisher=Warner Books, Inc.|year=1979|page=129}}</ref>
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Facehuggers normally reside within their [[Ovomorph (Egg)|Ovomorph]] until disturbed by a potential host, at which point the Egg will open and the creature will launch itself at the victim; the manner in which the host is detected is not well understood. Although Facehuggers can survive outside of these Eggs for a period of time,<ref name="A2" /><ref name="AvP2">{{cite video|people=[[Dan O'Bannon]], [[Ronald Shusett]], [[Jim Thomas]], [[John Thomas]] (writers) and The [[Brothers Strause]] (directors)|title='{{AVP2}}'|medium=DVD|publisher=[[20th Century Fox]]|date=2007}}</ref> this is not common. Being submerged does not appear to affect them, as Facehuggers on [[Acheron (LV-426)|LV-426]] were stored in some form of preservative fluid for an extended period of time and were still able to function normally when released.<ref name="A2" /> They are also capable of healing incredibly quickly, cuts and lacerations closing within minutes without leaving any trace of permanent scarring.<ref name="Alienbook129">{{cite book|title=[[Alien (novel)|''Alien'' novelization]]|author=[[Alan Dean Foster]]|publisher=Warner Books, Inc.|year=1979|page=129}}</ref>
   
 
===Subduing a host===
 
===Subduing a host===
 
{{Quote|Janie, my wife... she got one of those things on her face.|[[Freya's Prospect]] colonist '''C. Hope''', referring to the Facehugger (from {{AVP2010}})}}
 
{{Quote|Janie, my wife... she got one of those things on her face.|[[Freya's Prospect]] colonist '''C. Hope''', referring to the Facehugger (from {{AVP2010}})}}
When a Facehugger initially makes contact with a host, it will leap towards their face, often with alarming accuracy, and immediately wrap it's tail around their neck and its digits around their skull. If the host attempts to interfere with this in any way, the Facehugger will use its tail to choke them until they are either too weak to resist or they lose consciousness altogether.
 
   
 
When a Facehugger initially makes contact with a host, it will leap towards their face, often with alarming accuracy, and immediately wrap its tail around their neck and its digits around their skull. Should the host attempt to interfere with this in any way, the Facehugger will use its tail to choke them until they are either too weak to resist or they lose consciousness altogether.
The manner of this choking is not thought to be asphyxiation, as this could take up to a minute to render a human victim unconscious and in reality the process occurs far faster than that; more likely the Facehugger cuts off the blood supply to the victim's brain, knocking them out within seconds.<ref name="AvP2"/> It has also been known for Facehuggers to subdue hosts with their proboscis alone, inserting it into their throat while they are still conscious but otherwise having no contact with them.<ref>In the comic book ''[[Aliens: Kidnapped]]'', a man is rendered unconscious the moment the proboscis is inserted into his mouth.</ref> It should also be noted that most victims that are attacked by Facehuggers immediately attempt to remove the parasite from their face rather than uncoil the tail wrapped around their neck,<ref name="A2"/> indicating the tail unlikely restricts breathing; if oxygen pathways are blocked the instinctive reaction would be to restore airflow by removing the tail. Despite this, it is highly plausible the Facehugger's tail is still an instrumental factor in the process of rendering a host unconscious.
 
   
 
The manner of this choking is not thought to be asphyxiation, as this could take up to a minute to render a human victim unconscious and in reality the process occurs far faster than that; more likely the Facehugger cuts off the blood supply to the victim's brain, knocking them out within seconds.<ref name="AvP2" /> It has also been known for Facehuggers to subdue hosts with their proboscis alone, inserting it into their throat while they are still conscious but otherwise having no contact with them.<ref>In the comic book ''[[Aliens: Kidnapped]]'', a man is rendered unconscious the moment the proboscis is inserted into his mouth.</ref> It should also be noted that most victims that are attacked by Facehuggers immediately attempt to remove the parasite from their face rather than uncoil the tail wrapped around their neck,<ref name="A2" /> indicating the tail unlikely restricts breathing; if oxygen pathways are blocked the instinctive reaction would be to restore airflow by removing the tail. Despite this, it is highly plausible the Facehugger's tail is still an instrumental factor in the process of rendering a host unconscious.
It is also thought possible that Facehuggers might sedate their hosts via some form of toxin or anaesthetic, probably administered through skin contact.<ref name="CMTM153">{{cite book|title=''[[Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual]]''|author=Lee Brimmicombe-Wood|publisher=HarperPrism|year=1996|page=153}}</ref> It is possible such toxins may also be administered or through the creature's proboscis, although this seems unlikely as a conscious host would potentially be able to resist its insertion. Chemical sedation would imply that a Facehugger (or perhaps the Egg it resides within) is able to determine a potential host's body mass and composition, so as to ascertain a correct dose of toxin; if the dose was off even slightly, the host could suffer toxic shock or even die.<ref name=CMTM153/> The speed of host incapacitation and the likelihood of host death upon the Facehugger's premature removal both seem to indicate that, if a toxin is used, it may cause an inability to breathe in the victim in addition to its sedating qualities. This would in turn promote a dependence of the host on the Facehugger to pump oxygen into their lungs, preventing its removal. Furthermore, the fact that victims tend to remain unconscious for some time after the Facehugger has completed implantation and removed itself from them could be further evidence that the submission mechanism is chemical.<ref name="A1"/> Victims have also been seen to perspire heavily during the process, something that would not happen if constriction of the tail was the method employed.
 
   
 
It is also speculated that Facehuggers might sedate their hosts via some form of toxin or anaesthetic, probably administered through skin contact.<ref name="CMTM153">{{cite book|title=''[[Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual]]''|author=Lee Brimmicombe-Wood|publisher=HarperPrism|year=1996|page=153}}</ref> It is possible such toxins may also be administered through the creature's proboscis, although this seems unlikely as a conscious host would potentially be able to resist its insertion, although strangulation with the creatures tail would likely grant the Facehugger's proboscis access as the victim gasps for air. Chemical sedation would imply that a Facehugger (or perhaps the Egg it resides within) is able to determine a potential host's body mass and composition, so as to ascertain a correct dose of toxin; if the dose was off even slightly, the host could suffer toxic shock or even die.<ref name="CMTM153" /> The speed of host incapacitation and the likelihood of host death upon the Facehugger's premature removal both seem to indicate that, if a toxin is used, it may cause an inability to breathe in the victim in addition to its sedating qualities. This would in turn promote a dependence of the host on the Facehugger to pump oxygen into their lungs, preventing its removal. Furthermore, the fact that victims tend to remain unconscious for some time after the Facehugger has completed implantation and removed itself from them could be further evidence that the submission mechanism is chemical.<ref name="A1" /> Victims have also been seen to perspire heavily during the process, something that would not happen if constriction of the tail was the method employed. A preview image from the Weyland-Yutani report has paragraphs mentioning that Facehuggers uses a cyanose-based paralytic and chemicals used to suppress the immune system.<ref>''[[Alien: The Weyland-Yutani Report]]''</ref>
However, not all victims of Facehuggers are rendered unconscious; the mercenary [[Mark Verheiden (mercenary)|Verheiden]] in {{AVP1}} was still awake for at least part of the implantation process, as evidenced by his attempts to shout for help (rendered futile by the proboscis down his throat). Hosts are probably not rendered unconscious if they are already cocooned in the [[Hive]] owing to their inability to move or fight back, which may explain why many cocooned victims are aware that they have been impregnated and request to be killed. Further evidence that can support this is in the [[Alien Resurrection (novel)|novelization]] of {{A4}}, where it is revealed that the restrained "cargo" remained conscious during the implantation process.
 
   
 
However, not all victims of Facehuggers are rendered unconscious; the mercenary [[Mark Verheiden (mercenary)|Verheiden]] remained conscious for at least part of the implantation process, as evidenced by his attempts to shout for help (rendered futile by the proboscis down his throat). It has been theorized that hosts cocooned in a [[Hive]] may not be rendered unconscious owing to their inability to move or fight back, which may explain why many cocooned victims are aware that they have been impregnated and request to be killed. Further evidence that can support this is in the [[Alien Resurrection (novel)|novelization]] of {{A4}}, where it is revealed that the restrained "cargo" remained conscious during the implantation process. This behavior indicates some intelligence on part of the Facehugger.
Considering the size of a Facehugger, humans or humanoids are the most compatible victims. However, an [[Engineer]], significantly larger than a human, is shown to have a ripped out chest in {{A1}}, implying that it was impregnated by a Facehugger. Similarly, in the Assembly Cut of {{A3}}, a Xenomorph embryo is implanted into an ox, although again the implantation procedure is not seen. In the comics, Facehuggers have been seen attached to large Xenomorph [[Queen (caste)|Queens]]. In the ''Alien<sup>3</sup>'' [[Alien 3 (novel)|novelization]], Ripley comments that a Facehugger would not likely be able to use a host any smaller than a [[cat]].<ref name="Alien3book220">{{cite book|title=[[Alien 3 (novel)|Alien<sup>3</sup> novelization]]|author=[[Alan Dean Foster]]|publisher=Warner Books, Inc.|year=1992|page=220}}</ref> It is possible that a Facehugger does not need to entirely envelop a host's head to implant an embryo, but merely needs to subdue it and insert the embryo through the host's mouth.
 
   
 
Given the size of a Facehugger, humans, Predators or other humanoid-sized victims are the most compatible hosts. However, an [[Engineer]], significantly larger than a human, is shown to have an exploded chest in {{A1}}, implying that it was impregnated by a Facehugger. Similarly, in the Assembly Cut of {{A3}}, a Xenomorph embryo is implanted into an ox, although again the implantation procedure is not seen. In the comics, Facehuggers have been seen attached to large Xenomorph [[Queen (caste)|Queens]]. In the ''Alien<sup>3</sup>'' [[Alien 3 (novel)|novelization]], Ripley comments that a Facehugger would not likely be able to use a host any smaller than a [[cat]].<ref name="Alien3book220">{{cite book|title=[[Alien 3 (novel)|Alien<sup>3</sup> novelization]]|author=[[Alan Dean Foster]]|publisher=Warner Books, Inc.|year=1992|page=220}}</ref> It is possible that a Facehugger does not need to entirely envelop a host's head to implant an embryo, but merely needs to subdue it and insert the embryo through the host's mouth.
As the Xenomorph species has occasionally been likened to ants, one theory is that Facehuggers may attack larger hosts in swarms, like warrior ants. Presumably several of the creatures would subdue the host while another implants the embryo. Facehuggers are also known to attach to [[Oswoc]]s, [[Kurn]]s and [[Kritic]]s, as shown in ''[[Alien versus Predator: Extinction]]''.
 
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As the Xenomorph species has occasionally been likened to ants, one theory is that Facehuggers may attack larger hosts in swarms, like warrior ants, or with assistance from other adult Xenomorphs. Presumably several creatures would subdue the host while another implants the embryo. There have been recorded cases of adult Xenomorphs pinning victims to the ground so that a Facehugger may then attach to them without fear of retaliation.<ref name="AVP2010"/> Facehuggers are also known to attach to [[Oswoc]]s, [[Kurn]]s and [[Kritic]]s, as shown in ''[[Alien versus Predator: Extinction]]''.
   
 
===Implantation process===
 
===Implantation process===
 
[[File:Facehugger_Diagram.jpg|thumb|260px|A diagram showing how the Facehugger impregnates the host.]]
 
[[File:Facehugger_Diagram.jpg|thumb|260px|A diagram showing how the Facehugger impregnates the host.]]
Once a Facehugger is securely attached to a host, it inserts its proboscis down the victim's throat. This proboscis both supplies the host with suitable atmosphere for breathing and also implants the Xenomorph embryo in their oesophagus, a process that takes several hours. During implantation, Facehuggers are not only able to determine a suitable atmosphere mix for the host to breathe, they are also capable of providing this mixture even in an otherwise unsuitable environment; [[Gilbert Kane|Kane]] was exposed to the hostile atmosphere of LV-426 when the Facehugger that attacked him breached his suit's faceplate, yet the Facehugger kept him alive until the crew could return him to the ''[[USCSS Nostromo|Nostromo]]''.<ref name="A1"/> It is thought that the creature does this by breaking down molecules found in the ambient atmosphere and rearranging them into the appropriate compounds before feeding them into the host's lungs;<ref name="Alienbook119">{{cite book|title=[[Alien (novel)|''Alien'' novelization]]|author=[[Alan Dean Foster]]|publisher=Warner Books, Inc.|year=1979|page=119}}</ref> in the case of oxygen-breathing organisms such as humans, the Facehugger is capable of extracting oxygen from gaseous oxide compounds in the air, such as carbon dioxide.
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Once a Facehugger is securely attached to a host, it inserts its proboscis down the victim's throat. This proboscis both supplies the host with suitable atmosphere for breathing and also implants the Xenomorph embryo in their oesophagus, a process that takes several hours. During implantation, Facehuggers are not only able to determine a suitable atmosphere mix for the host to breathe, they are also capable of providing this mixture even in an otherwise unsuitable environment; [[Gilbert Kane|Kane]] was exposed to the hostile atmosphere of LV-426 when the Facehugger that attacked him breached his suit's faceplate, yet the Facehugger kept him alive until the crew could return him to the ''[[USCSS Nostromo|Nostromo]]''.<ref name="A1" /> It is thought that the creature does this by breaking down molecules found in the ambient atmosphere and rearranging them into the appropriate compounds before feeding them into the host's lungs;<ref name="Alienbook119">{{cite book|title=[[Alien (novel)|''Alien'' novelization]]|author=[[Alan Dean Foster]]|publisher=Warner Books, Inc.|year=1979|page=119}}</ref> in the case of oxygen-breathing organisms such as humans, the Facehugger is capable of extracting oxygen from gaseous oxide compounds in the air, such as carbon dioxide.
   
 
How exactly the Facehugger impregnates a host is still relatively unknown as there have been theories ranging from simple embryo implantation to a viral agent that causes the host's body itself to develop the Chestburster from its own tissues. While the embryo theory is seemingly sound and one of the more accepted explanations, it still lacks any reasoning on how said embryo would end up in the chest as if an embryo was deposited by the proboscis, it would end up in the stomach as there is no access to the empty space within the chest from the throat or oesophagus. The viral agent theory solves this since the body creates and grows the Chestburster, it originates in the chest but how the body could be forced to actually create such a complex life-form is unknown since the Xenomorph seem to be bio-mechanical with highly acidic blood, it is possible that the viral agent would also include the necessary DNA for the host's body to use. In ''[[Alien: Sea of Sorrows]]'', [[Andrea Rollins]] sends a report that the parasites have already implanted "embryos", however it is not clear if the embryos were implanted of if they were formed due to a viral agent.
 
How exactly the Facehugger impregnates a host is still relatively unknown as there have been theories ranging from simple embryo implantation to a viral agent that causes the host's body itself to develop the Chestburster from its own tissues. While the embryo theory is seemingly sound and one of the more accepted explanations, it still lacks any reasoning on how said embryo would end up in the chest as if an embryo was deposited by the proboscis, it would end up in the stomach as there is no access to the empty space within the chest from the throat or oesophagus. The viral agent theory solves this since the body creates and grows the Chestburster, it originates in the chest but how the body could be forced to actually create such a complex life-form is unknown since the Xenomorph seem to be bio-mechanical with highly acidic blood, it is possible that the viral agent would also include the necessary DNA for the host's body to use. In ''[[Alien: Sea of Sorrows]]'', [[Andrea Rollins]] sends a report that the parasites have already implanted "embryos", however it is not clear if the embryos were implanted of if they were formed due to a viral agent.
   
Once implantation is completed, the Facehugger will after some time, detache from the host and subsequently die. It is not known how long a Facehugger can survive after implantation is complete; some Facehuggers are found dead right beside their hosts,<ref name="A2"/> or even still attached to the host's face, while others have been known to crawl away and apparently even hide before dying.<ref name="A1"/>
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Once implantation is completed, the Facehugger will typically detach from the host and subsequently die. It is not known how long a Facehugger can survive after implantation is complete; some Facehuggers are found dead right beside their hosts,<ref name="A2" /> or even still attached to the host's face, while others have been known to crawl away and apparently even hide before dying.<ref name="A1"/> Andrea Rollins notes that despite that the hosts have been implanted, the parasites remain attached though whether they are alive or not isn't stated. The Weyland-Yutani Report also states that Facehuggers will remain attached to its host after impregnation to make sure the implantation is secure, the times of this range for twenty minutes to sixteen hours.
   
 
===Removal===
 
===Removal===
 
{{Quote|'Surgically removed before embryo implantation. Subject: Marachuk, John J., died during the procedure.' They killed him taking it off.|'''[[Lance Bishop|Bishop]]''', reading from '''[[John Marachuk|Marachuk]]<nowiki>'</nowiki>'''s medical chart (from {{A2}})}}
 
{{Quote|'Surgically removed before embryo implantation. Subject: Marachuk, John J., died during the procedure.' They killed him taking it off.|'''[[Lance Bishop|Bishop]]''', reading from '''[[John Marachuk|Marachuk]]<nowiki>'</nowiki>'''s medical chart (from {{A2}})}}
While Facehuggers have been removed before embryo implantation has taken place, the process is invariably fatal for the host.<ref name="A2"/> The Facehugger's combination of vice-like grip, strong tail around the victim's throat and highly [[Xenomorph blood|acidic blood]] makes them essentially impossible to remove safely. Even in the very early stages of an attack, very few victims have managed to remove them before being subdued, with even [[Yautja (Predator)|Predators]] (who are notoriously strong) apparently unable to fend one off once it is attached. It is possible a Facehugger's legs may "lock" once wrapped around a host's head, possibly in a manner similar to rigor mortis or animals with a lock-jaw, which would make simply pulling it off nearly impossible. While a victim could conceivably lift the creature off like a helmet, the Facehugger's powerful tail prevents this.
 
   
 
While Facehuggers have been removed before embryo implantation has taken place, the process is ostensibly fatal for the host.<ref name="A2"/> The Facehugger's combination of vice-like grip, strong tail around the victim's throat and highly [[Xenomorph blood|acidic blood]] makes them essentially impossible to remove safely. Even in the very early stages of an attack, very few victims have managed to remove them before being subdued, with even [[Yautja (Predator)|Predator]]s and Engineers (both being notoriously strong) apparently unable to fend one off once it is attached. It is possible a Facehugger's legs may "lock" once wrapped around a host's head, possibly in a manner similar to rigor mortis or the "locking jaws" found in some dog breeds (however, the latter is actually a myth), which would make simply pulling it off almost impossible. While a victim could conceivably lift the creature off like a helmet, the Facehugger's powerful tail prevents this.
In {{A2}}, [[Ellen Ripley]] was able to impede a Facehugger by covering her face with her hands as the creature attacked, and while she would inevitably been rendered unconscious in short order, with immediate assistance she was able to remove it. Similarly in ''Alien Resurrection'', [[Ripley 8]] successfully removed a Facehugger unaided, although due to her partially-Xenomorph DNA she had physical strength in excess of a typical human, and also an apparent immunity to the creature's acidic blood. Its unknown if being in the water aided Ripley 8 as it could have either discouraged the Facehugger due to the host inevitably drowning after detachement following a successful implantation or that the water prevented it from sedating its host. It should be noted that in either case, the facehugger's tail lost its grip around Ripley's throat while she was spinning while submerged had she been attacked out of water, its unknown if she would have been able to successfully defend herself.<ref name="A4">{{cite video|people=[[Joss Whedon]] (writer) and [[Jean-Pierre Jeunet]] (director)|title='{{A4}}'|medium=DVD|publisher=[[20th Century Fox]]|date=1997}}</ref> After partly wounding a Facehugger with his golf club, Captain Mike McCubbin in the book ''[[Aliens: Earth Hive]]'' was able to remove a Facehugger with assistance before it fully attached.
 
  +
 
However, there have been limited examples of Facehuggers failing to subdue a host. On [[Acheron (LV-426)|Acheron]], [[Ellen Ripley]] was able to impede a Facehugger by shielding her face with her hands as the creature attacked, and while she would inevitably been rendered unconscious in short order, with immediate assistance she was able to remove it. Similarly on the {{USM|Auriga}}, [[Ripley 8]] successfully removed a Facehugger unaided, although due to her partially-Xenomorph DNA she had physical strength in excess of a typical human, and also an apparent immunity to the creature's acidic blood. It is unknown if being in the water aided Ripley 8 as it could have either discouraged the Facehugger due to the host inevitably drowning after detachment following a successful implantation or that the water prevented it from sedating its host. Had she been attacked out of water, it is unknown if she would have been able to successfully defend herself.<ref name="A4">{{cite video|people=[[Joss Whedon]] (writer) and [[Jean-Pierre Jeunet]] (director)|title='{{A4}}'|medium=DVD|publisher=[[20th Century Fox]]|date=1997}}</ref> Another example is Captain Mike McCubbin, who partially wounded a Facehugger with a golf club and then removed it with assistance before it fully attached.
   
 
==Alternate forms==
 
==Alternate forms==
 
===Royal Facehugger===
 
===Royal Facehugger===
 
:''Main article: [[Royal Facehugger]]''
 
:''Main article: [[Royal Facehugger]]''
  +
 
[[File:Royal Facehugger.png|thumb|250px|A Royal Facehugger.]]
 
[[File:Royal Facehugger.png|thumb|250px|A Royal Facehugger.]]
 
This strain is seen in the extended Assembly Cut of {{A3}}, and possibly in {{AVP1}}. The Royal Facehugger has the ability to lay a [[Queen (caste)|Queen]] embryo inside a host, as well as a further standard embryo inside a second host, a tactic designed to give the unborn Queen an immediate "bodyguard" in the form of a normal [[Drone]].
 
This strain is seen in the extended Assembly Cut of {{A3}}, and possibly in {{AVP1}}. The Royal Facehugger has the ability to lay a [[Queen (caste)|Queen]] embryo inside a host, as well as a further standard embryo inside a second host, a tactic designed to give the unborn Queen an immediate "bodyguard" in the form of a normal [[Drone]].
   
[[20th Century Fox]] has not proven or disproven the legitimacy of Royal Facehuggers. Given that the Xenomorph species is adaptive in so many ways, one may presume that normal Facehuggers can also implant Queen Chestbusters; the Facehugger seen briefly in the theatrical cut of ''Alien<sup>3</sup>'' appears to be a regular Facehugger.
+
The necessity of a Royal Facehugger in creating a Queen has never been definitive many sources show standard Facehuggers to be capable of creating a Queen. Given that the Xenomorph species is adaptive in so many ways, this may well be plausible; for example, the Facehugger seen briefly in the theatrical cut of ''Alien<sup>3</sup>'' appears to be a regular Facehugger.
   
 
===Praetorian Facehugger===
 
===Praetorian Facehugger===
 
:''Main article: [[Praetorian Facehugger]]''
 
:''Main article: [[Praetorian Facehugger]]''
  +
A larger, stronger subspecies of Facehugger seen in the game ''[[Aliens versus Predator: Extinction]]''. Like a Royal Facehugger, Praetorian Facehuggers play a part in creating Queens by implanting [[Praetorian]] Chestbursters. These Praetorians can subsequently evolve into a Queen. If a Queen is already present, the resulting Praetorian can evolve into a [[Ravager]] or a [[Carrier]].
+
A larger, stronger subspecies of Facehugger seen in the game ''[[Aliens versus Predator: Extinction]]''. As with the Royal Facehugger, Praetorian Facehuggers play a part in creating Queens by implanting [[Praetorian]] Chestbursters. These Praetorians can subsequently evolve into a Queen. Should a Queen already be present, the resulting Praetorian can evolve into a bodyguard — either a [[Ravager]] or a [[Carrier]] depending on the circumstances.
   
 
===Engineered Facehugger===
 
===Engineered Facehugger===
Seen in the [[Alien vs. Predator (1994 video game)|''Alien vs. Predator'' arcade]] game, these genetically engineered Facehuggers will attach to a host as usual, but then parasitically fuse with it, linking it to the Hive mind creating an [[Infectoid]]. The infected move in a zombie-like fashion, much like the famous [http://half-life.wikia.com/wiki/Zombie Headcrab Zombies] found in the ''Half-Life'' franchise. If one infects a [[Yautja (Predator)|Yautja]] Hunter, it will attack anything unlinked to the Hive that moves.
+
Seen in the [[Alien vs. Predator (1994 video game)|''Alien vs. Predator'' arcade]] game, these genetically engineered Facehuggers will attach to a host as usual, but then parasitically fuse with it, linking it to the Hive mind, thus creating an [[Infectoid]]. The infected move in a zombie-like fashion, much like the famous [http://half-life.wikia.com/wiki/Zombie Headcrab Zombies] found in the ''Half-Life'' franchise or the Flood-infected victims of the ''Halo'' series. If one infects a [[Yautja (Predator)|Yautja]] Hunter, it will attack anything unlinked to the Hive that moves.
   
 
===Giant Facehugger===
 
===Giant Facehugger===
 
:''Main Article: [[Giant FaceHugger|Giant Facehugger]]''
 
:''Main Article: [[Giant FaceHugger|Giant Facehugger]]''
  +
 
Giant Facehuggers were created by Kenner for their [[Kenner line of Alien toys|line of toys]]. The packaging called them Queen Facehuggers.
 
Giant Facehuggers were created by Kenner for their [[Kenner line of Alien toys|line of toys]]. The packaging called them Queen Facehuggers.
   
 
==Behind the Scenes==
 
==Behind the Scenes==
In {{A1}}, the Facehugger was predominantly portrayed by static models and simple hand puppets. For the scene where the creature leaps from its [[Ovomorph (Egg)|Egg]] and attacks [[Gilbert Kane|Kane]], sheep's intestine was propelled directly towards the camera using high-pressure air hoses.<ref name="Beast">{{cite video|people=[[Ridley Scott]], [[David Giler]], [[Walter Hill]], [[H. R. Giger]], [[Dan O'Bannon]], [[Ronald Shusett]]|title=The Beast Within: The Making of 'Alien'|medium=DVD|publisher=[[20th Century Fox]]|date=2003}}</ref> The shot of the Facehugger latching on to Kane's face was acted out and filmed backwards, then reversed in editing. A final shot showed the creature inserting its proboscis through Kane's melted helmet visor. All three shots were edited together with quick cuts in rapid succession so that the final sequence lasts barely a second on film.<ref name="Beast"/> For the scene in which the dead Facehugger is examined, Scott dressed a cup-shaped body with pieces of fish and shellfish to create its viscera.<ref name="Beast"/>
+
In {{A1}}, the Facehugger was predominantly portrayed by static models and simple hand puppets. For the scene where the creature leaps from its [[Ovomorph (Egg)|Egg]] and attacks [[Gilbert Kane|Kane]], sheep's intestine was propelled directly towards the camera using high-pressure air hoses.<ref name="Beast">{{cite video|people=[[Ridley Scott]], [[David Giler]], [[Walter Hill]], [[H. R. Giger]], [[Dan O'Bannon]], [[Ronald Shusett]]|title=The Beast Within: The Making of 'Alien'|medium=DVD|publisher=[[20th Century Fox]]|date=2003}}</ref> The shot of the Facehugger latching on to Kane's face was acted out and filmed backwards, then reversed in editing. A final shot showed the creature inserting its proboscis through Kane's melted helmet visor. All three shots were edited together with quick cuts in rapid succession so that the final sequence lasts barely a second on film.<ref name="Beast" /> For the scene in which the dead Facehugger is examined, Scott dressed a cup-shaped body with pieces of fish and shellfish to create its viscera.<ref name="Beast" />
   
 
In the [[Alien (novel)|novelization]] of ''Alien'', the Facehugger is described quite differently to what is seen in the films. Instead of the usual pale yellow, the creature is grey and also has a single, large lidless eye on its back.<ref name="Alienbook99">{{cite book|title=[[Alien (novel)|''Alien'' novelization]]|author=[[Alan Dean Foster]]|publisher=Warner Books, Inc.|year=1979|page=99}}</ref> It also has octopus-like suckers on its underside the help it adhere to the face of its victim.<ref name="Alienbook150">{{cite book|title=[[Alien (novel)|''Alien'' novelization]]|author=[[Alan Dean Foster]]|publisher=Warner Books, Inc.|year=1979|page=150}}</ref> This appearance conforms to early [[H. R. Giger]] concept sketches for the creature.
 
In the [[Alien (novel)|novelization]] of ''Alien'', the Facehugger is described quite differently to what is seen in the films. Instead of the usual pale yellow, the creature is grey and also has a single, large lidless eye on its back.<ref name="Alienbook99">{{cite book|title=[[Alien (novel)|''Alien'' novelization]]|author=[[Alan Dean Foster]]|publisher=Warner Books, Inc.|year=1979|page=99}}</ref> It also has octopus-like suckers on its underside the help it adhere to the face of its victim.<ref name="Alienbook150">{{cite book|title=[[Alien (novel)|''Alien'' novelization]]|author=[[Alan Dean Foster]]|publisher=Warner Books, Inc.|year=1979|page=150}}</ref> This appearance conforms to early [[H. R. Giger]] concept sketches for the creature.
   
For {{A2}}, where the Facehugger took a more active role, several different models were constructed to give the creatures a far greater range of movements. There were two "hero" puppets, which were cable-operated and capable of fully articulated movement;<ref name="Firepower">{{cite video|people=[[James Cameron]], Gale Anne Hurd, [[Gordon Carroll]], [[David Giler]], [[Walter Hill]], [[Stan Winston]]|title=Superior Firepower: The Making of 'Aliens'|medium=DVD|publisher=[[20th Century Fox]]|date=2003}}</ref> these required as many as nine operators to control their performance.<ref name="TWE89">{{cite book|title=''The Winston Effect: The Art and History of Stan Winston Studio''|author=Jody Duncan|publisher=[[Titan Books]]|year=2006|page=89}}</ref> Additionally, [[Stan Winston]]'s studio designed and built a running Facehugger that could operate without any need for external puppeteers; the model moved along a thin wire, which in turn rotated a spindle within that operated the creature's legs and tail.<ref name="Firepower"/> This Facehugger is memorably seen charging towards Ripley across the med lab floor. Alongside the animatronic Facehuggers, an array of static foam and rubber dummies were also used.
+
For {{A2}}, where the Facehugger took a more active role, several different models were constructed to give the creatures a far greater range of movements. There were two "hero" puppets, which were cable-operated and capable of fully articulated movement;<ref name="Firepower">{{cite video|people=[[James Cameron]], Gale Anne Hurd, [[Gordon Carroll]], [[David Giler]], [[Walter Hill]], [[Stan Winston]]|title=Superior Firepower: The Making of 'Aliens'|medium=DVD|publisher=[[20th Century Fox]]|date=2003}}</ref> these required as many as nine operators to control their performance.<ref name="TWE89">{{cite book|title=''The Winston Effect: The Art and History of Stan Winston Studio''|author=Jody Duncan|publisher=[[Titan Books]]|year=2006|page=89}}</ref> Additionally, [[Stan Winston]]'s studio designed and built a running Facehugger that could operate without any need for external puppeteers; the model moved along a thin wire, which in turn rotated a spindle within that operated the creature's legs and tail.<ref name="Firepower" /> This Facehugger is memorably seen charging towards Ripley across the med lab floor. Alongside the animatronic Facehuggers, an array of static foam and rubber dummies were also used.
   
 
==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
*The time it takes for a Facehugger to implant a Chestburster in its victim varies wildly throughout the [[Alien (franchise)|''Alien'' series]]. In {{A1}}, it takes around 24 hours for [[Gilbert Kane|Kane]] to become impregnated. This timescale is borne out in {{A2}} (in fact, a scene originally showing [[Carter Burke|Burke]] conscious in the Hive at the end of the movie was removed because it would have contradicted this timescale) and {{A3}}. In {{A4}}, no specifics are given regarding the length of time taken to impregnate a victim, although the impression is given that the process is occurring faster than before; the [[Alien Resurrection (novel)|novelization]] of the film states the Xenomorphs' reproductive cycle has been accelerated due to genetic alterations,<ref name="AlienResbook143">{{cite book|title=[[Alien Resurrection (novel)|Alien Resurrection novelization]]|author=Ann Crispin|publisher=Warner Books, Inc.|year=1997|page=143}}</ref> but the film never makes this clear. By the time of {{AVP1}}, however, impregnation happens almost instantaneously; several victims in the film are conscious again within minutes, including [[Scar]], who is impregnated in less than the time it takes the pyramid on [[Bouvet Island]] to rearrange itself, which would be under 10 minutes. The sequel is inconsistent again, with Facehuggers taking longer to impregnate their victims but the Chestbursters still hatching seconds after the host wakes up. Many of the video games based on the franchise also drastically accelerate the impregnation process, most notably {{AVP2010}} and {{ACM}}, in which the process takes only a few hours.
+
*The time it takes for a Facehugger to implant a Chestburster in its victim varies wildly throughout the [[Alien (franchise)|''Alien'' series]]. In {{A1}}, it takes around 24 hours for [[Gilbert Kane|Kane]] to become impregnated. This timescale is borne out in {{A2}} (in fact, a scene originally showing [[Carter Burke|Burke]] conscious in the Hive at the end of the movie was removed because it would have contradicted this timescale) and {{A3}}. In {{A4}}, no specifics are given regarding the length of time taken to impregnate a victim, although the impression is given that the process is occurring faster than before; the [[Alien Resurrection (novel)|novelization]] of the film states the Xenomorphs' reproductive cycle has been accelerated due to genetic alterations,<ref name="AlienResbook143">{{cite book|title=[[Alien Resurrection (novel)|Alien Resurrection novelization]]|author=[[A. C. Crispin]]|publisher=Warner Books, Inc.|year=1997|page=143}}</ref> but the film never makes this clear. By the time of {{AVP1}}, however, impregnation happens almost instantaneously; several victims in the film are conscious again within minutes, including [[Scar]], who is impregnated in less than the time it takes the pyramid on [[Bouvet Island]] to rearrange itself, which would be under 10 minutes. The sequel is inconsistent again, with Facehuggers taking longer to impregnate their victims but the Chestbursters still hatching seconds after the host wakes up. Many of the video games based on the franchise also drastically accelerate the impregnation process, most notably {{AVP2010}} and {{ACM}}, in which the process takes only a few hours. Conversely, {{AI}} once again uses a timeframe similar to the original ''Alien''.
 
*The scene from the beginning of {{AVP2}} showing a Facehugger in a tube aboard the [[Scout Ship]] lunging at the camera is an obvious reference to the similar scene in ''Aliens'' where a Facehugger in a tube lunges at Burke in an identical manner.
 
*The scene from the beginning of {{AVP2}} showing a Facehugger in a tube aboard the [[Scout Ship]] lunging at the camera is an obvious reference to the similar scene in ''Aliens'' where a Facehugger in a tube lunges at Burke in an identical manner.
  +
*According to the Weyland-Yutani report, a few colonists died trying to contain the parasite before using the containers seen in Aliens.
 
  +
*Weyland-Yutani also reports that facehuggers can survive for at least 120 hours outside of an egg, however, these reports are noted to be anecdotal.
==See Also==
 
*[[Trilobite]] — A creature from the film {{Pro}} that fulfils a similar role to the Facehugger.
 
   
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
Line 102: Line 108:
 
Facehugger BTS.jpg|Behind the scene photo of a Facehugger.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=346057322180739&set=a.346054932180978.78876.100003294225459&type=3&theater</ref>
 
Facehugger BTS.jpg|Behind the scene photo of a Facehugger.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=346057322180739&set=a.346054932180978.78876.100003294225459&type=3&theater</ref>
 
Facehugger BTS 1.jpg|Ditto.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=346057325514072&set=a.346054932180978.78876.100003294225459&type=3&theater</ref>
 
Facehugger BTS 1.jpg|Ditto.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=346057325514072&set=a.346054932180978.78876.100003294225459&type=3&theater</ref>
Facehugger BTS 2.jpg|Ditto.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?
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Facehugger BTS 2.jpg|Ditto.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=346057328847405&set=a.346054932180978.78876.100003294225459&type=3&theater
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  +
 
==See Also==
 
*[[Trilobite]] — A creature from the film {{Pro1}} that fulfils a similar role to the Facehugger.
   
 
==References==
 
==References==
<references/>
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<references />
 
[[Category:Xenomorph variants]]
 
[[Category:Xenomorph variants]]
 
[[Category:Aliens featured in the movies]]
 
[[Category:Aliens featured in the movies]]
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[[Category:AVP: Evolution Xenomorphs]]
 
[[Category:AVP: Evolution Xenomorphs]]
 
[[Category:Aliens: Colonial Marines Xenomorphs]]
 
[[Category:Aliens: Colonial Marines Xenomorphs]]
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[[Category:Antagonists]]

Revision as of 10:13, 15 April 2015

"Woke up gagging on a creature — like a spider. It wrapped around my face. It's dead, sir."
―Pvt. Clarison to Capt. Cruz, referring to a Facehugger (from Aliens: Colonial Marines)

Template:Species Infobox The Facehugger is a parasitoid form of the species Xenomorph XX121 that hatches from an Egg. It is the second stage in the Xenomorph's life cycle, and exists solely to implant a Chestburster embryo within a host creature via their mouth. As such, it has no real offensive capabilities (beyond an ability to spit acid, which is generally only used to gain access to hosts and not for attack)[1][2] and must rely on stealth, surprise or their victims being previously immobilized by an attacker to achieve implantation. Notably, a Facehugger dies shortly after its task has been completed. Facehuggers are around 3 feet in length from the end of their forwardmost digits to the tip of their tail.

The Facehugger first appeared in Alien and has gone on to be featured in numerous expanded media. Some video games of the Alien vs. Predator franchise have even allowed players to take control of a Facehugger as part of their Alien campaigns.

Characteristics

"Looks like some kind of scorpion..."
Sebastian, describing a frozen Facehugger corpse (from Alien vs. Predator Unrated Edition)

Facehuggers greatly resemble a pair of skeletal hands fused together, with a spine-like tail. Their long digits allow them to move rapidly across all manner of surfaces and also grant them their crucial ability to "grip" a host's head during embryo implantation. Their spindly appearance should not be underestimated; these digits are incredibly strong, and have been known to tear the skin from the skulls of human victims when an attempt is made to remove them.[1] Once the digits are gripped around a host's head, they are nigh impossible to remove and implantation is virtually guaranteed. A Facehugger's tail can propel the creature into huge leaps[3] and is also used for additional grip around a host's neck during implantation. Facehuggers have even been known to use their tail to strangle potential hosts when attempts are made to remove them, sometimes fatally. Their potent acid blood further complicates any attempt at removal. Facehuggers are primarily beige in color, giving them a skin-like appearance.

Situated on either side of the creature's body at the base of the tail are a pair of bag-like bladder structures that are used to circulate air into the victims lungs during implantation. Underneath the Facehugger is a small orifice, from which the creature will extend a lengthy proboscis into the host's throat for embryo implantation. While fragile and useless in combat, Facehuggers' small size and rapid movement makes them adept at ambushing potential hosts, and also makes them difficult to kill.[4] Facehuggers have been known to be used in an actively offensive role when transported by a Carrier, as shown in Alien vs. Predator: Extinction.

Face

Facehuggers inside their eggs.

Facehuggers normally reside within their Ovomorph until disturbed by a potential host, at which point the Egg will open and the creature will launch itself at the victim; the manner in which the host is detected is not well understood. Although Facehuggers can survive outside of these Eggs for a period of time,[3][5] this is not common. Being submerged does not appear to affect them, as Facehuggers on LV-426 were stored in some form of preservative fluid for an extended period of time and were still able to function normally when released.[3] They are also capable of healing incredibly quickly, cuts and lacerations closing within minutes without leaving any trace of permanent scarring.[6]

Subduing a host

"Janie, my wife... she got one of those things on her face."
Freya's Prospect colonist C. Hope, referring to the Facehugger (from Aliens vs. Predator)

When a Facehugger initially makes contact with a host, it will leap towards their face, often with alarming accuracy, and immediately wrap its tail around their neck and its digits around their skull. Should the host attempt to interfere with this in any way, the Facehugger will use its tail to choke them until they are either too weak to resist or they lose consciousness altogether.

The manner of this choking is not thought to be asphyxiation, as this could take up to a minute to render a human victim unconscious and in reality the process occurs far faster than that; more likely the Facehugger cuts off the blood supply to the victim's brain, knocking them out within seconds.[5] It has also been known for Facehuggers to subdue hosts with their proboscis alone, inserting it into their throat while they are still conscious but otherwise having no contact with them.[7] It should also be noted that most victims that are attacked by Facehuggers immediately attempt to remove the parasite from their face rather than uncoil the tail wrapped around their neck,[3] indicating the tail unlikely restricts breathing; if oxygen pathways are blocked the instinctive reaction would be to restore airflow by removing the tail. Despite this, it is highly plausible the Facehugger's tail is still an instrumental factor in the process of rendering a host unconscious.

It is also speculated that Facehuggers might sedate their hosts via some form of toxin or anaesthetic, probably administered through skin contact.[8] It is possible such toxins may also be administered through the creature's proboscis, although this seems unlikely as a conscious host would potentially be able to resist its insertion, although strangulation with the creatures tail would likely grant the Facehugger's proboscis access as the victim gasps for air. Chemical sedation would imply that a Facehugger (or perhaps the Egg it resides within) is able to determine a potential host's body mass and composition, so as to ascertain a correct dose of toxin; if the dose was off even slightly, the host could suffer toxic shock or even die.[8] The speed of host incapacitation and the likelihood of host death upon the Facehugger's premature removal both seem to indicate that, if a toxin is used, it may cause an inability to breathe in the victim in addition to its sedating qualities. This would in turn promote a dependence of the host on the Facehugger to pump oxygen into their lungs, preventing its removal. Furthermore, the fact that victims tend to remain unconscious for some time after the Facehugger has completed implantation and removed itself from them could be further evidence that the submission mechanism is chemical.[1] Victims have also been seen to perspire heavily during the process, something that would not happen if constriction of the tail was the method employed. A preview image from the Weyland-Yutani report has paragraphs mentioning that Facehuggers uses a cyanose-based paralytic and chemicals used to suppress the immune system.[9]

However, not all victims of Facehuggers are rendered unconscious; the mercenary Verheiden remained conscious for at least part of the implantation process, as evidenced by his attempts to shout for help (rendered futile by the proboscis down his throat). It has been theorized that hosts cocooned in a Hive may not be rendered unconscious owing to their inability to move or fight back, which may explain why many cocooned victims are aware that they have been impregnated and request to be killed. Further evidence that can support this is in the novelization of Alien Resurrection, where it is revealed that the restrained "cargo" remained conscious during the implantation process. This behavior indicates some intelligence on part of the Facehugger.

Given the size of a Facehugger, humans, Predators or other humanoid-sized victims are the most compatible hosts. However, an Engineer, significantly larger than a human, is shown to have an exploded chest in Alien, implying that it was impregnated by a Facehugger. Similarly, in the Assembly Cut of Alien3, a Xenomorph embryo is implanted into an ox, although again the implantation procedure is not seen. In the comics, Facehuggers have been seen attached to large Xenomorph Queens. In the Alien3 novelization, Ripley comments that a Facehugger would not likely be able to use a host any smaller than a cat.[10] It is possible that a Facehugger does not need to entirely envelop a host's head to implant an embryo, but merely needs to subdue it and insert the embryo through the host's mouth.

As the Xenomorph species has occasionally been likened to ants, one theory is that Facehuggers may attack larger hosts in swarms, like warrior ants, or with assistance from other adult Xenomorphs. Presumably several creatures would subdue the host while another implants the embryo. There have been recorded cases of adult Xenomorphs pinning victims to the ground so that a Facehugger may then attach to them without fear of retaliation.[4] Facehuggers are also known to attach to Oswocs, Kurns and Kritics, as shown in Alien versus Predator: Extinction.

Implantation process

Facehugger Diagram

A diagram showing how the Facehugger impregnates the host.

Once a Facehugger is securely attached to a host, it inserts its proboscis down the victim's throat. This proboscis both supplies the host with suitable atmosphere for breathing and also implants the Xenomorph embryo in their oesophagus, a process that takes several hours. During implantation, Facehuggers are not only able to determine a suitable atmosphere mix for the host to breathe, they are also capable of providing this mixture even in an otherwise unsuitable environment; Kane was exposed to the hostile atmosphere of LV-426 when the Facehugger that attacked him breached his suit's faceplate, yet the Facehugger kept him alive until the crew could return him to the Nostromo.[1] It is thought that the creature does this by breaking down molecules found in the ambient atmosphere and rearranging them into the appropriate compounds before feeding them into the host's lungs;[11] in the case of oxygen-breathing organisms such as humans, the Facehugger is capable of extracting oxygen from gaseous oxide compounds in the air, such as carbon dioxide.

How exactly the Facehugger impregnates a host is still relatively unknown as there have been theories ranging from simple embryo implantation to a viral agent that causes the host's body itself to develop the Chestburster from its own tissues. While the embryo theory is seemingly sound and one of the more accepted explanations, it still lacks any reasoning on how said embryo would end up in the chest as if an embryo was deposited by the proboscis, it would end up in the stomach as there is no access to the empty space within the chest from the throat or oesophagus. The viral agent theory solves this since the body creates and grows the Chestburster, it originates in the chest but how the body could be forced to actually create such a complex life-form is unknown since the Xenomorph seem to be bio-mechanical with highly acidic blood, it is possible that the viral agent would also include the necessary DNA for the host's body to use. In Alien: Sea of Sorrows, Andrea Rollins sends a report that the parasites have already implanted "embryos", however it is not clear if the embryos were implanted of if they were formed due to a viral agent.

Once implantation is completed, the Facehugger will typically detach from the host and subsequently die. It is not known how long a Facehugger can survive after implantation is complete; some Facehuggers are found dead right beside their hosts,[3] or even still attached to the host's face, while others have been known to crawl away and apparently even hide before dying.[1] Andrea Rollins notes that despite that the hosts have been implanted, the parasites remain attached though whether they are alive or not isn't stated. The Weyland-Yutani Report also states that Facehuggers will remain attached to its host after impregnation to make sure the implantation is secure, the times of this range for twenty minutes to sixteen hours.

Removal

"'Surgically removed before embryo implantation. Subject: Marachuk, John J., died during the procedure.' They killed him taking it off."
Bishop, reading from Marachuk's medical chart (from Aliens)

While Facehuggers have been removed before embryo implantation has taken place, the process is ostensibly fatal for the host.[3] The Facehugger's combination of vice-like grip, strong tail around the victim's throat and highly acidic blood makes them essentially impossible to remove safely. Even in the very early stages of an attack, very few victims have managed to remove them before being subdued, with even Predators and Engineers (both being notoriously strong) apparently unable to fend one off once it is attached. It is possible a Facehugger's legs may "lock" once wrapped around a host's head, possibly in a manner similar to rigor mortis or the "locking jaws" found in some dog breeds (however, the latter is actually a myth), which would make simply pulling it off almost impossible. While a victim could conceivably lift the creature off like a helmet, the Facehugger's powerful tail prevents this.

However, there have been limited examples of Facehuggers failing to subdue a host. On Acheron, Ellen Ripley was able to impede a Facehugger by shielding her face with her hands as the creature attacked, and while she would inevitably been rendered unconscious in short order, with immediate assistance she was able to remove it. Similarly on the USM Auriga, Ripley 8 successfully removed a Facehugger unaided, although due to her partially-Xenomorph DNA she had physical strength in excess of a typical human, and also an apparent immunity to the creature's acidic blood. It is unknown if being in the water aided Ripley 8 as it could have either discouraged the Facehugger due to the host inevitably drowning after detachment following a successful implantation or that the water prevented it from sedating its host. Had she been attacked out of water, it is unknown if she would have been able to successfully defend herself.[12] Another example is Captain Mike McCubbin, who partially wounded a Facehugger with a golf club and then removed it with assistance before it fully attached.

Alternate forms

Royal Facehugger

Main article: Royal Facehugger
Royal Facehugger

A Royal Facehugger.

This strain is seen in the extended Assembly Cut of Alien3, and possibly in Alien vs. Predator. The Royal Facehugger has the ability to lay a Queen embryo inside a host, as well as a further standard embryo inside a second host, a tactic designed to give the unborn Queen an immediate "bodyguard" in the form of a normal Drone.

The necessity of a Royal Facehugger in creating a Queen has never been definitive — many sources show standard Facehuggers to be capable of creating a Queen. Given that the Xenomorph species is adaptive in so many ways, this may well be plausible; for example, the Facehugger seen briefly in the theatrical cut of Alien3 appears to be a regular Facehugger.

Praetorian Facehugger

Main article: Praetorian Facehugger

A larger, stronger subspecies of Facehugger seen in the game Aliens versus Predator: Extinction. As with the Royal Facehugger, Praetorian Facehuggers play a part in creating Queens by implanting Praetorian Chestbursters. These Praetorians can subsequently evolve into a Queen. Should a Queen already be present, the resulting Praetorian can evolve into a bodyguard — either a Ravager or a Carrier depending on the circumstances.

Engineered Facehugger

Seen in the Alien vs. Predator arcade game, these genetically engineered Facehuggers will attach to a host as usual, but then parasitically fuse with it, linking it to the Hive mind, thus creating an Infectoid. The infected move in a zombie-like fashion, much like the famous Headcrab Zombies found in the Half-Life franchise or the Flood-infected victims of the Halo series. If one infects a Yautja Hunter, it will attack anything unlinked to the Hive that moves.

Giant Facehugger

Main Article: Giant Facehugger

Giant Facehuggers were created by Kenner for their line of toys. The packaging called them Queen Facehuggers.

Behind the Scenes

In Alien, the Facehugger was predominantly portrayed by static models and simple hand puppets. For the scene where the creature leaps from its Egg and attacks Kane, sheep's intestine was propelled directly towards the camera using high-pressure air hoses.[13] The shot of the Facehugger latching on to Kane's face was acted out and filmed backwards, then reversed in editing. A final shot showed the creature inserting its proboscis through Kane's melted helmet visor. All three shots were edited together with quick cuts in rapid succession so that the final sequence lasts barely a second on film.[13] For the scene in which the dead Facehugger is examined, Scott dressed a cup-shaped body with pieces of fish and shellfish to create its viscera.[13]

In the novelization of Alien, the Facehugger is described quite differently to what is seen in the films. Instead of the usual pale yellow, the creature is grey and also has a single, large lidless eye on its back.[14] It also has octopus-like suckers on its underside the help it adhere to the face of its victim.[15] This appearance conforms to early H. R. Giger concept sketches for the creature.

For Aliens, where the Facehugger took a more active role, several different models were constructed to give the creatures a far greater range of movements. There were two "hero" puppets, which were cable-operated and capable of fully articulated movement;[16] these required as many as nine operators to control their performance.[17] Additionally, Stan Winston's studio designed and built a running Facehugger that could operate without any need for external puppeteers; the model moved along a thin wire, which in turn rotated a spindle within that operated the creature's legs and tail.[16] This Facehugger is memorably seen charging towards Ripley across the med lab floor. Alongside the animatronic Facehuggers, an array of static foam and rubber dummies were also used.

Trivia

  • The time it takes for a Facehugger to implant a Chestburster in its victim varies wildly throughout the Alien series. In Alien, it takes around 24 hours for Kane to become impregnated. This timescale is borne out in Aliens (in fact, a scene originally showing Burke conscious in the Hive at the end of the movie was removed because it would have contradicted this timescale) and Alien3. In Alien Resurrection, no specifics are given regarding the length of time taken to impregnate a victim, although the impression is given that the process is occurring faster than before; the novelization of the film states the Xenomorphs' reproductive cycle has been accelerated due to genetic alterations,[18] but the film never makes this clear. By the time of Alien vs. Predator, however, impregnation happens almost instantaneously; several victims in the film are conscious again within minutes, including Scar, who is impregnated in less than the time it takes the pyramid on Bouvet Island to rearrange itself, which would be under 10 minutes. The sequel is inconsistent again, with Facehuggers taking longer to impregnate their victims but the Chestbursters still hatching seconds after the host wakes up. Many of the video games based on the franchise also drastically accelerate the impregnation process, most notably Aliens vs. Predator and Aliens: Colonial Marines, in which the process takes only a few hours. Conversely, Alien: Isolation once again uses a timeframe similar to the original Alien.
  • The scene from the beginning of Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem showing a Facehugger in a tube aboard the Scout Ship lunging at the camera is an obvious reference to the similar scene in Aliens where a Facehugger in a tube lunges at Burke in an identical manner.
  • According to the Weyland-Yutani report, a few colonists died trying to contain the parasite before using the containers seen in Aliens.
  • Weyland-Yutani also reports that facehuggers can survive for at least 120 hours outside of an egg, however, these reports are noted to be anecdotal.

Gallery

Behind the scenes

See Also

  • Trilobite — A creature from the film Prometheus that fulfils a similar role to the Facehugger.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Dan O'Bannon, Ronald Shusett (writers) and Ridley Scott (director). Alien (1986), 20th Century Fox [DVD].
  2. Vincent Ward (writer) and David Fincher (director). Alien3 (1992), 20th Century Fox [DVD].
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 James Cameron (writer and director). Aliens (1986), 20th Century Fox [DVD].
  4. 4.0 4.1  'Aliens vs. Predator' (2010), Rebellion [Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360].
  5. 5.0 5.1 Dan O'Bannon, Ronald Shusett, Jim Thomas, John Thomas (writers) and The Brothers Strause (directors). Aliens vs. Predator: Requiem (2007), 20th Century Fox [DVD].
  6. Alan Dean Foster. Alien novelization, p. 129 (1979), Warner Books, Inc..
  7. In the comic book Aliens: Kidnapped, a man is rendered unconscious the moment the proboscis is inserted into his mouth.
  8. 8.0 8.1 Lee Brimmicombe-Wood. 'Aliens: Colonial Marines Technical Manual', p. 153 (1996), HarperPrism.
  9. Alien: The Weyland-Yutani Report
  10. Alan Dean Foster. Alien3 novelization, p. 220 (1992), Warner Books, Inc..
  11. Alan Dean Foster. Alien novelization, p. 119 (1979), Warner Books, Inc..
  12. Joss Whedon (writer) and Jean-Pierre Jeunet (director). Alien Resurrection (1997), 20th Century Fox [DVD].
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 Ridley Scott, David Giler, Walter Hill, H. R. Giger, Dan O'Bannon, Ronald ShusettThe Beast Within: The Making of 'Alien' (2003), 20th Century Fox [DVD].
  14. Alan Dean Foster. Alien novelization, p. 99 (1979), Warner Books, Inc..
  15. Alan Dean Foster. Alien novelization, p. 150 (1979), Warner Books, Inc..
  16. 16.0 16.1 James Cameron, Gale Anne Hurd, Gordon Carroll, David Giler, Walter Hill, Stan WinstonSuperior Firepower: The Making of 'Aliens' (2003), 20th Century Fox [DVD].
  17. Jody Duncan. 'The Winston Effect: The Art and History of Stan Winston Studio', p. 89 (2006), Titan Books.
  18. A. C. Crispin. Alien Resurrection novelization, p. 143 (1997), Warner Books, Inc..
  19. http://www.studioadi.com/bsf.php
  20. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=346057322180739&set=a.346054932180978.78876.100003294225459&type=3&theater
  21. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=346057325514072&set=a.346054932180978.78876.100003294225459&type=3&theater