Insect lovers who are squeamish by the idea of insect taxidermy, then perhaps the new LEGO Ideas The Insect Collection (21342) Set will delight you. Granted, it is not life-like like the real deal or even close to the model versions but will offer you the satisfaction that toys like LEGO can only provide: the achievement of building something.
Based on the winning LEGO Ideas submission by a LEGO fan from Spain José María Pêrez Suero aka @hachiroku24, the LEGO Ideas The Insect Collection (21342) Set packs 1,111 pieces to let you build realistic, life-size display models of 3 incredible insects, namely, a blue morpho butterfly, a Hercules beetle, and a Chinese mantis, complete with their natural habitats.
You know how I felt personally about the diorama and so I absolutely appreciate the fact that the LEGO design team has included a diorama of the insect’s respective habitat:
“The blue morpho butterfly has adjustable wings featuring LEGO elements in different shades of blue and is displayed with a buildable flower and a honeybee. The Hercules beetle has attachable wings and the characteristic horns of the male of the species, while the fully posable female Chinese mantis (a species of praying mantis) comes with a 7-spotted ladybug.”
Each model is fully posable and recreated in incredible detail. Each display tells a story about the biome or the ecosystem, and the insects inhabit.
The biggest of the three would be the buildable Chinese mantis model which measures over 7 in. (18 cm) high, 6.5 in. (17 cm) wide, and 6 in. (16 cm) deep.
Each model has its own building instructions, which allow you to build solo or with others.
To mark the release of the LEGO Ideas The Insect Collection (21342) Set, LEGO has also unveiled Green Noise, a new nature-inspired ASMR playlist with LEGO clicks and sounds reimagined as the unique sounds of each insect.
The sounds are created in partnership with award-winning and Emmy-nominated Foley artist, Sanaa Kelley who is an expert in recreating sounds of species out of everyday items. The playlist features a soundscape for up to 45 minutes, bringing the insects to life via audio.
The LEGO Ideas The Insect Collection (21342) Set can be had for US$79.99 when it becomes available on September 07, 2023. LEGO VIP Early Access to the set starts on September 04, 2023. Recommended for ages 18 and up.
Images: LEGO.
