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As 'Aliens' fanatic myself, I agree with Hairheads summary of the Alien life cycle. In the extensive computer simulations I ran before the release of A3, it was pretty obvious that the ant/termite caste system put forth in A3 and all the Dark Horse stories could not generate the results seen in Aleins. Humans are just too lethal to allow such a specialized creature to survive.
As far as the creatures metabolism and nutritional requirements, there has been discussion in some quarters of metabolic system that uses electromagnetic(acid for blood) and thermal energy as the primary source of sustanance. Also, if you take into account that large portions of the adult creatures maybe silicon, the requirements for living organic material maybe limited to just parts of reproduction and embyronic development. So, I don't think any earth based predator or pest model really applies.
My theory as to their origin is that they are genetically engineered biological weapon designed to disrupt a highly technological society of a species that were very similar to humans. They attack the very institutions of the support developed civilizations. In the early stages of life, they are like a disease causing mass panic and disrupting the medical system. As adults, they attack the power generating infrastructure which causes even more problems. So, my vote is for a bioweapons system that was deployed without sufficient safeguards and got out of control.
I've never liked the explaination that they steal some of their characteristics from their host as put forth in A3. That stinks to much like John Carpenter's "The Thing" and "Leviathan". I depise shape-shifting DNA merge creatures just like I despise supernatural killers like Freddie or Jason. To me, they don't feel right, and they don't scare me. But, Hollywood as a hard on for the cheap thrill.
HC
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