Discover the Magic of Nature in This LEGO Insect Collection Review

Imagine transforming colorful LEGO bricks into delicate butterfly wings, imposing beetle horns, or the precise limbs of a praying mantis. The LEGO Ideas Insect Collection (set #21342) makes this possible with stunning accuracy. As the 50th creation born from the LEGO Ideas platform, this fan-inspired set brings three magnificent LEGO insects to life at actual size, offering a perfect blend of natural science and creative building.

What Crawls Out of the Box

The LEGO Ideas Insect Collection delivers impressive value at $79.99 (€79.99/£69.99). Unboxing reveals 1,111 meticulously designed pieces spread across three bags—one for each insect. Released in February 2023, this set became an instant favorite among LEGO insect enthusiasts.

The package includes:

• Blue Morpho Butterfly: 328 pieces creating a 19cm (7.5-inch) wingspan featuring 16 different shades of blue elements. The wings can be positioned at various angles thanks to clever hinge mechanisms.

• Hercules Beetle: 392 pieces forming a 14cm (5.5-inch) specimen with detachable translucent wings that reveal detailed underwing structures. The imposing front horns use specialized curved elements previously seen in dinosaur sets.

• Chinese Mantis: 391 pieces constructing an 18cm (7-inch) tall predator with 13 distinct points of articulation, allowing for remarkably lifelike posing. Its head can rotate 180° just like a real mantis.

Each insect includes its instruction booklet (96-102 pages) and sits atop a specially designed octagonal base measuring 12cm (4.7 inches) across. These bases incorporate microhabitats with botanical elements—35-40 pieces each—that create contextually appropriate settings. The butterfly hovers over flowering plants, the beetle emerges from forest debris, and the mantis perches among delicate blossoms, waiting for prey.

The set also hides two bonus mini-insects: a honeybee near the butterfly and a ladybug beside the mantis, adding an extra layer of detail to this scientifically accurate LEGO insect collection.

Meet Your New Six-Legged Friends

Blue Morpho Butterfly: Winged Wonder

Native to Central and South America, the Blue Morpho butterfly stands out with its electric-blue wings. The LEGO version captures this dazzling coloration through various blue elements layered to create depth and visual interest. Printed tiles along the wing edges add authentic white spots that complete the butterfly's signature look.

This model includes a small flowering plant and a tiny, brick-built honeybee—a clever nod to the original LEGO Ideas submission that featured additional insects. Though simpler than its companions, the butterfly makes an eye-catching centerpiece that demands attention.

Hercules Beetle: Strength in Small Packages

The imposing Hercules Beetle showcases LEGO engineering at its finest. Its dark exoskeleton and pronounced horns accurately represent this powerful insect, while the optional translucent orange wings add a splash of unexpected color.

LEGO designers included a hidden surprise during construction—white croissant pieces tucked beneath the log represent beetle larvae, visible only during the building process. This educational touch connects the model to the beetle's actual life cycle, adding depth to the LEGO insects collection experience.

Chinese Mantis: The Patient Predator

Many builders consider the Chinese Mantis the standout model in this trio. At over 18cm (7 inches) tall, this fully posable predator demonstrates incredible part usage - repurposing revolvers as feet and bladed elements as forelegs. The mantis balances on a branch surrounded by delicate white and yellow flowers, with a tiny ladybug (represented by a single printed round tile) nearby as potential prey.

What makes this model exceptional is how it combines scientific accuracy with engineering ingenuity. Multiple points of articulation allow you to adjust the mantis into various lifelike poses, from passive observation to active hunting stances.

Building Magic Brick by Brick

Creating these LEGO insect models delivers three distinct building experiences, each requiring about 60-90 minutes to complete. Difficulty progresses naturally through the set- start with the butterfly (easiest), move to the beetle (moderate), and finish with the mantis (most complex).

Butterfly Blueprint

The Blue Morpho construction begins with a central body core using SNOT (Studs Not On Top) techniques to create a cylindrical thorax. Wings utilize a layered building approach with 1x2 and 2x2 tiles, creating intricate patterns. Six specialized "bar with clip" elements form the segmented legs, while two modified 1x1 plates with antennae perfectly capture the butterfly's delicate feelers. Most impressive is the subtle angling technique using 1x2 hinge plates that allows the wings to sit at natural, slightly different angles rather than completely flat.

Beetle Brilliance

The Hercules Beetle introduces advanced structural support methods—it appears solid black externally but contains a rainbow-colored internal frame providing crucial stability. The horns employ a clever "flex tube" solution, allowing slight adjustments for display. The beetle's shell uses curved slopes (2x2 and 4x4) alongside modified plates with tooth elements to achieve textural variance between the smooth carapace and rougher underside. A particularly ingenious technique involves connecting the detachable wings using 2x1 modified plates with clips that secure firmly yet release easily for different display options.

Mantis Mastery

The Chinese Mantis represents peak LEGO insect engineering. Its internal structure includes Technic pins and axles, creating a spine that supports the extended posture. The head attachment uses a ball joint, allowing smooth 180° rotation. Each of the mantis's six legs connects differently—front legs use 2x1 modified plates with clips attached to blade pieces, middle legs employ bar connections with 2L axles, and rear legs utilize traditional ball joints for stability. The abdominal segments incorporate 1x2 hinge plates connected in sequence, creating natural movement possibilities. Most impressive is the weight distribution solution—the base includes concealed 2x4 weighted bricks that prevent tipping despite the model's height.

Across all three builds, you'll witness remarkable part repurposing. The butterfly's antennae use wand elements typically found in Harry Potter sets. The beetle's grubs are formed from white croissant pieces normally seen in bakery shops. The mantis employs revolvers as foot attachments and robot arms for its mid-section joints. Even the bases show creativity—using transparent blue cheese slopes to simulate water and modified 1x1 rounds with holes to create realistic flower stems.

The instruction booklets include fascinating entomological facts alongside build steps, transforming construction into an educational experience about the real insects that inspired these LEGO insect set models.

Displaying Your Brick-Built Bugs

The LEGO Insect Collection excels as a display piece with thoughtfully designed presentation options. The octagonal bases (measuring 12cm/4.7 inches across and 3.5cm/1.4 inches high) feature anti-slip rubber feet underneath—a practical touch preventing movement on smooth surfaces.

Strategic Display Configurations

Multiple arrangement possibilities let you customize based on your space and preferences:

• Museum-Style Diorama: Arrange all three insects in a triangle formation (approximately 40cm/16 inches total footprint) to create a mini-natural history exhibit. The bases' matching design creates visual cohesion while highlighting each specimen's unique characteristics.
  

• Desktop Nature Accents: The butterfly model fits perfectly beside a computer monitor (requiring just 19cm/7.5 inches of width), while the beetle makes an ideal bookend at 14cm/5.5 inches long. The mantis stands tall enough (18cm/7 inches) to complement desk plants without overwhelming the workspace.
  

• Botanical Companions: Pair with specific LEGO Ideas sets for thematic displays:

  • The butterfly harmonizes beautifully with the Wildflower Bouquet (#10313) or Orchid (#10311)

  • The beetle complements the Succulents (#10309) or the Bonsai Tree (#10281)

  • The mantis creates a striking scene alongside the Bird of Paradise (#10289)
    

• Educational Arrangement: Create a learning station with the insects displayed alongside information cards (printable templates available online). The models' scientific accuracy makes them valuable visual aids for entomology education.

Practical Display Considerations

The LEGO insect set models feature excellent stability engineering. The butterfly balances perfectly on its single connection point, the beetle's six legs provide reliable support, and the mantis, despite its height, incorporates a clever counterweight system in its base. However, each has specific handling considerations:

• The butterfly's wings attach via 2×3 plates with clips providing sufficient strength for normal handling but require a gentle touch when repositioning the wings.
  

• The beetle's optional wings are secured through a simple but effective clip system, allowing easy removal without stressing the bricks. Store detached wings in a small zip bag when not displayed to prevent loss.
  

• The mantis features 13 points of articulation with varying tension strength—the head rotates easily while the legs maintain position better. When adjusting poses, support the body while moving limbs to avoid stress on connection points.

Wall-mounted display cases (minimum 23cm/9 inches depth) work particularly well for this collection, protecting from dust while showcasing the insects' impressive scale. Glass or acrylic cabinets with adjustable shelving allow you to create dramatic vertical arrangements—try positioning the butterfly highest, mantis at mid-level, and beetle at bottom for a naturalistic ecosystem feel.

For photography enthusiasts, these LEGO insect models photograph beautifully under natural window light, creating impressive macro-style images without specialized equipment.

Who Needs This LEGO Insect Set in Their Life

This LEGO insect set appeals to diverse groups:

• LEGO enthusiasts seeking unique display pieces with organic forms

• Nature lovers fascinated by insect anatomy and behaviors

• Science educators looking for engaging visual aids

• Interior designers searching for conversation-starting decor pieces

• Photography enthusiasts wanting distinctive subjects for macro work

While officially designated as an 18+ set, the building difficulty varies by insect. The butterfly offers a more straightforward building experience appropriate for younger builders with some LEGO experience, while the mantis provides more challenge for advanced constructors.

Elevate Your Display with LEGO Light Kits

Want to add another dimension to your LEGO insects? Consider specialized LEGO light kits designed specifically for this collection. Third-party lighting solutions can dramatically transform these models after dark.

Available lighting options typically include:

• Strategic LED placement to highlight key features

• Subtle illumination for the habitat bases

• USB or battery power sources

• Step-by-step installation guides

The transparent elements particularly benefit from lighting—the Hercules Beetle's orange wings glow dramatically, while subtle lighting beneath the Blue Morpho's wings enhances their vibrant color. The mantis, when lit from below, casts impressive shadows that emphasize its distinctive silhouette.

For optimal lighting results:

1. Select kits specifically designed for set #21342

2. Consider adjustable brightness options for versatility

3. Plan your display location with ambient lighting in mind

4. Allow extra time for careful installation

Natural Artistry in LEGO Form

The LEGO Ideas Insect Collection succeeds brilliantly at what it sets out to accomplish: capturing the intricate beauty of insects in brick form. These aren't simply toys but displayable art pieces that celebrate natural design.

At $79.99 for over 1,100 pieces and three substantial models, the value proposition is excellent. The set balances accessibility with sophistication—approachable enough for casual builders yet detailed enough to satisfy serious collectors.

What sets this collection apart is how it connects LEGO building with natural science. As you construct each creature, you gain appreciation for both insect anatomy and the ingenuity of LEGO design. The finished models serve as beautiful reminders of nature's elegant engineering, translated perfectly into the language of bricks.

Whether displayed proudly on a shelf, enhanced with LEGO light kits, or used as educational models, these LEGO insects bring a touch of natural wonder indoors—minus the buzzing, crawling, and occasional biting of their real-world counterparts.