José María Pérez Suero’s Insect Collection rewards a closer look at nature
The fan idea behind set 21342 brings science, art and three very different silhouettes into a shared display.
A fan’s interests meet in one collection
José María Pérez Suero’s route to The Insect Collection began with interests that work well together: science, fine art, photography and the natural world. In LEGO’s August 2023 announcement, the Spanish fan designer describes those subjects as sources of inspiration. The resulting Ideas set, 21342, offers three large insect models with distinctly different shapes.
This retrospective looks at the published creator story and official model features. It is an opportunity to appreciate a community contribution beyond its place in a product catalogue: a fan noticed a subject worth examining and found a way to make other people look closely.
Three silhouettes, three small habitats
The blue morpho butterfly, Hercules beetle and Chinese mantis each have their own base. LEGO’s product description identifies adjustable butterfly wings, attachable beetle wings and a posable mantis, accompanied by smaller details including a honeybee and a seven-spotted ladybug. The set contains 1,111 pieces.
In our reading of the official imagery, the separate bases are a strength. They allow the broad butterfly, compact beetle and upright mantis to retain their own outlines. A single crowded platform might make comparison harder; here, each creature can be given enough space for its shape to register.
A build that can become a conversation
LEGO provides separate building instructions for the models. That makes this a useful candidate for builders who want to work alongside one another and bring their results together afterward. Digital instruction downloads are also listed on the official support page.
For a shared session, try comparing the finished forms before combining the display. Which details establish the creature immediately, and which become noticeable only nearby? Those questions keep the discussion connected to the models rather than turning it into a contest over who finished first. They can also help a new builder explain what caught their attention.
Let the display preserve the differences
Our display suggestion is to start with generous space between the three bases, then adjust their orientation until the wings and legs remain readable from your usual viewing position. A neutral background can be more useful than adding further foliage around every model.
The collection’s lasting appeal is its invitation to notice variation. A butterfly and a mantis do not need the same pose, proportions or backdrop to belong together. Pérez Suero’s original interests make that variety feel purposeful: the subject provides the connection, while the individual animals supply the differences.
Reporting checked October 1, 2026. Plans and programs can change; follow the linked organizations for current information.