Iona Faria

From Wikitroid, the Metroid wiki

Iona Faria are a large flying creature native to Zebes. Resembling and called "butterflies" by Samus though their bodies are slightly like those of bears. She encountered her first one when it drank from her water container, accidently scaring Ponchi. They are from the Metroid E-manga. It is possible they may have been driven to extinction either by the Space Pirates or because of the destruction of Zebes.

Their flight is powered by absorbed moisture molecules, though it is possible that any form of liquid water may suffice, as well as the nectar of flowers may work as well. They are able to glow via an effect known by "Bird Grampa" as 'Minos Ion Effect' and could possible be a means of communication or more likely defense as he continues to say that it fades over time. They feed on the nectar of flowering plants found on Zebes and are extremely gentle, and are nearly the size of an adult human.

A group of them became corrupted due to the nectar of an alien flower, known as Bajar Grove, planted by Space Pirates. This caused them to attack the Chozo and Samus, and after being supplied guns by Space Pirates, had to be destroyed along with the flowers. After the flowers were burned, Samus was able to destroy the guns without harming the Iona Faria. However, they were quickly destroyed by a group of droids as part of the "cleansing" while under the command of Mother Brain, who at the time had not yet become leader of the Space Pirates, or so is believed.

They are possible semi-sentient as they were able to use weapons, though the toxin of the Bajar Grove may have made them completely controlled by the Space Pirates.

This is all based upon the parts of the Metroid E-manga that have been translated so far.