Red Xenomorph: Overview Of All Red Aliens
The Red Xenomorphs are a unique color variation of the Xenomorph species. Known for their reddish-black appearance and distinct behavior, they have a history of rebellion, war, and ultimate destruction. Introduced in Aliens: Genocide, these aliens diverged genetically from the traditional Xenomorph strain, forming their own hive on Xenomorph Prime and engaging in a conflict with their black-hued counterparts. Here is an overview of all red (and crimson) Xenomorphs, including the ones influenced by environmental conditions.
Red Xenomorphs
Red Xenomorphs were not visually distinct from black Xenomorphs to human observers, but their reddish-black tint and behavior set them apart. They were considered "red" by the original black strain, which saw them as a threat to their existence. The Reds originated after a hive collapse, leading to their genetic deviation. Both types shared similar physical traits, such as height (over 7 feet) and weight, but their genetic rivalry sparked a war that reshaped their existence. Hundreds of Black and Red Xenomorphs fought on the desolate plains of Xenomorph Prime until a group of Colonial Marines arrived to break their stalemate.
Red Xenomorph Queen
The Red Queen Mother led the rebel Red Xenomorphs on Xenomorph Prime, being the original source of the strain. The death of the first Queen Mother during the events of the Earth War trilogy left Xenomorph Prime leaderless, leading to the birth of both the Red and Black Xenomorph Queen Mothers. Larger and more imposing than a standard Queen, the Red Queen secreted pale resin to construct her hive. Her intelligence and ferocity rivaled that of any Xenomorph ruler. Despite her power, the Red Queen Mother and her hive were destroyed during the events of Aliens: Genocide, where a nuclear strike wiped them out, leaving the original strain victorious.
Giant Red Facehugger
Probably unrelated to the Genocide Red Xenomorph lineage, the Giant Red Facehugger was introduced through a Kenner toy line and accompanying Space Marine comics. This creature had red skin, fangs, and spiked legs, which it used to fight against Ellen Ripley and her marine companions. Unlike traditional facehuggers, it incapacitated hosts rather than infecting them, holding victims until a standard facehugger arrived. It was later reimagined by NECA as the Queen Facehugger, using the design of the Alien 3 "Super Facehugger" but with a red color scheme. This would hint that the Giant Red Facehugger carried the Alien Queen embryo.
Prowler Xenomorph
The Prowler Xenomorph (sometimes called the Jumper), featured in Aliens: Fireteam Elite, combines the agility of a Runner with enhanced armor. This reddish-black variant can incapacitate its prey by leaping onto them, forcing players to rely on teammates for rescue. With a spiked tail and a slightly larger head, the Prowler’s appearance and behavior evoke influences from the Left 4 Dead series, making it a formidable, but somewhat annoying foe. It is unknown why the Prowler has a reddish color, but it might have inherited it from the wildlife from the jungles of LV-895, or the contaminating effects of the Katanga refinery.
Shānmén Xenomorph
The Shānmén Xenomorphs were abominations created by a pathogen released during a Border Bombing event caused by an Engineer Juggernaut ship. The colonists on the planet focused on mining Eitr, a valuable substance that produced rust-red residue when extracted. Eitr contamination turned water and plants rust-red, while also poisoning humans and impacting local wildlife, including mole-like creatures. When the living creatures on the planet were infected by the Black Goo Pathogen, the Xenomorphs produced were also born rust-red. Many of the Shānmén Xenomorphs were wiped out by the Jackals, a group of ex-Colonial Marines led by Zula Hendricks, while the planet was quarantined.
Red Xenomorph Figures
Red Xenomorphs have inspired multiple collectibles. Kenner's Giant Red Facehugger toy and mini-comic stand out among the early representations. NECA's reimagined Queen Facehugger offers a modern take, while the Prowler Xenomorph from Aliens: Fireteam Elite has also been immortalized in merchandise. NECA's Red Xenomorph Queen was a popular figure, and great to set against the regular Black Queen. Finally, NECA made the Red Xenomorph Warrior, which was a red copy of the black Xenomorph Warrior.
Conclusion
The Red Xenomorphs were a rare genetic variation of the Xenomorph species, introduced in Aliens: Genocide. Known for their reddish-black tint, they emerged after a hive collapse on Xenomorph Prime, diverging genetically from the black Xenomorphs and forming a rival hive. These Xenomorphs originated from the Red Queen Mother, who led the strain in a war against the original black Xenomorphs. Other variants, such as the Giant Red Facehugger and Prowler Xenomorph, received the red colorization possibly by the influence of a red-colored host. Environmental influences, like the rust-red Eitr contamination on Shānmén, can also contribute to regular Xenomorphs turning red.
