Hopping Metroids are highly mutated, ground-based Metroids. A Hopping Metroid's behavior is very similar to that of a Phazon Hopper. Barely resembling an Infant or Larval Metroid anymore, Hopping Metroids can no longer fly as a result of Phazon mutation. They have developed four legs, and an exoskeleton that covers most of their bodies except for their undersides. This uncovered section features a transparent membrane containing the Metroid's nucleus. They move around strictly by "hopping", earning them their title, and attack by slashing at Samus with their sharp, Phazite-tipped front legs or spitting Phazon venom. Due to the immense amount of Phazon stored in their bodies, Hopping Metroids are able to enter Hypermode at will; when they do so, they can generate small Phazon shockwaves sim