LEGO Ideas Unveils The Insect Collection (21342)

LEGO: The Insect Collection

LEGO has just made a big announcement about their upcoming set, The Insect Collection (21342), through their LEGO Ideas platform. This exciting set, consisting of 1,111 pieces, will be hitting the store shelves on September 4 for VIPs/Insiders, and it's priced at $79.99.

The set showcases a variety of insects, each accompanied by its own stand. These include the stunning blue morpho butterfly, the diligent honeybee, the impressive Hercules beetle, the graceful Chinese Mantis, and the charming seven-spotted ladybug.

And here's a cool bonus: as you build the set, you can listen to a brand-new Green Noise playlist. This release holds special significance as it's the 50th LEGO Ideas set, and it celebrates a wonderful milestone for the LEGO Ideas community. The inspiration for this set came from a project submitted by a passionate fan named José María from Spain.

21342 The Insect Collection is a landmark model for the LEGO Ideas theme, marking the 50th creation brought to life by dedicated members of the fan community. It's also a nod to a previous LEGO Ideas set, 21301 Birds, which was the 9th set in the collection.

While Birds highlighted avian creatures, The Insect Collection focuses on insects, showcasing the captivating Blue Morpho Butterfly, the robust Hercules Beetle, and the elegant Chinese Mantis as the stars of the show.

LEGO Ideas The Insect Collection (21342)

In a collaborative effort with Sanaa Kelley, an acclaimed Foley artist known for her expertise in crafting lifelike sound effects from ordinary objects, LEGO has taken a unique approach. Sanaa skillfully reimagined the distinct sounds of each insect in its natural habitat, using the iconic LEGO bricks. This creative endeavor brings attention to the captivating insects across the globe, highlighting their beauty in a new way.

The playlist draws inspiration from the three remarkable insects featured in the new set: the Blue Morpho Butterfly, the Hercules Beetle, and the Chinese Mantis. Each track, spanning up to 45 minutes, is a result of combining the delicate flutters, subtle clicks, and satisfying snaps of LEGO bricks and packaging. Sanaa utilized a range of Foley techniques to achieve these captivating soundscapes.

Given the insights from the LEGO Play Well 2022 Report, which reveals that nearly 58% of adults are spending less than an hour daily on relaxation, the playlist aims to provide a moment of tranquility in their busy routines. It's tailored to accompany individuals during their LEGO building sessions, offering a soothing auditory experience that complements the joy of creating with LEGO bricks.

LEGO Ideas 21342 Product and Design

Introducing the fresh LEGO Ideas The Insect Collection – the 50th creation sourced from the fan-driven platform. This set showcases each insect on a distinct display inspired by their natural habitats. Picture the Blue Morpho butterfly gracefully perched on a branch amidst the lush South American Amazon Rainforest. Right beside it, a buildable flower attracts the attention of a honeybee in mid-flight.

Journey onward to Central America, where you can construct the world's longest beetle, the male Hercules beetle. It sits atop a decaying log, and its wings can be taken off, allowing for two display options. Finally, a Chinese Mantis is poised on a slender branch from an Asian forest, capturing a small seven-spotted ladybug nestled among brick flowers.

José, the creative mind behind this set, shares his inspiration: "With a background in both science and fine art, my fascination with the intricate details of the natural world has always been a driving force. As a lifelong LEGO enthusiast, my ideas often emerge from my hobbies, which include photography and a deep connection to nature."

Federico Begher Head of LEGO Product Group

Adds his thoughts on the set's development: José Maria's exceptional design struck us immediately as something our fans would adore. His intricate work reflects his impressive blend of academic expertise and passion for photography and nature. With his fantastic designs as a foundation, our team of skilled designers captured the true essence of these extraordinary creatures – from their colors to their structures and sizes.

Every detail meticulously crafted in LEGO bricks, resulting in a truly unique collection featuring three distinct insects from around the world, all within a single set. We're absolutely thrilled to introduce this spectacular build to the world and can hardly wait to witness the delight it brings to our fans.

Sanaa Kelley, the talented Foley artist

Shares her experience: My collaboration with the LEGO Group on crafting the Green Noise playlist has been immensely rewarding. It feels like a full-circle moment since a few years ago, I delved into studying insects to conquer my fears and deepen my understanding of their sounds.

Now, alongside the LEGO Group, I've finally been able to put my studies into action, recreating the distinct sounds of the Blue Morpho Butterfly, Hercules Beetles, and Chinese Mantis using the corresponding LEGO bricks and packaging. This endeavor, a first at my studio, pushed me to approach Foley in exceptionally creative ways.