Participated in a sprite challenge at Gameartisans:
www.gameartisans.org/forums/showthread.php
This was the result. An alien miniboss for a sci-fi themed RPG called Infest Station. I didn't win, but got an honorary mention nonetheless. Which was nice. 
I managed to include animations for the idle status, taking a hit, wounded status, main attack and dying. | 
Thank you very much for the feedback.
I agree with you all on the roots effect. At the end of the challenge time was not on my side and the dying animation ended up being way too rushed. I was not particularily happy with it, but at least I got the piece ready on time.
If at some point I find myself with a lot of spare time I'll maybe come back to tweak this.