The Imp was a stage in the life cycle of the Praetomorph, a Xenomorph variant species created by the rogue Weyland Corp synthetic David. It was the juvenile form of the Praetomorph's adult stage, known as the Stalker. Though its basic function resembled that of a Xenomorph chestburster, the Imp differed in several ways.
Characteristics[]
The Imp resembled a typical Xenomorph chestburster in function, though its physical traits upon emergence from a human host were radically different. Rather than the snake-like form taken by a human-spawned chestburster, the Imp was bipedal, with fully-formed arms and legs, as well as a translucent carapace and tail.
If the Imp did not detect any dangers in the vicinity of its emergence, it would mimic the physical activity of any beings nearby. After emergence, the Imp would withdraw and begin to evolve. Unlike a chestburster, which would take some time to moult and become a Drone, the Imp matured into its adult form, the Stalker, much more quickly.
The nature of the Imp's host would affect its growth; while human-spawned Imps would evolve further, an Imp emerging from a rat would not advance to the Stalker stage, though it would act as if it had, and employ similar tactics.