The 1996 Magic: The Gathering Alliances card Deadly Insect (86a), a powerful green creature featuring the protective Shroud ability.
Deadly Insect
1996 • Magic: The Gathering • Alliances
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Market & Price History
| Condition | Value | Source | Trend | Price Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.30 | Guide Estimate | +7.1% | ||
- $0.30
- Source
- Guide Estimate
- Trend
- +7.1%
- Price Details
30-day Price History
Raw / Ungraded
TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 5, 2026
Description
As a green creature card, this card requires five mana to cast, making it a significant investment of resources during gameplay. Its defining characteristic is the Shroud ability, which prevents opponents from targeting it with spells or abilities, offering a level of protection that was highly valued in the game's early competitive landscape. Designed by artist Scott Kirschner, this card captures the essence of the Alliances era, a period known for its complex mechanics and diverse creature types. The flavor text, attributed to Taaveti of Kelsinko, an Elvish Hunter, adds narrative depth, hinting at the deceptive beauty and lethal danger of the creature. This thematic element is characteristic of Magic: The Gathering's approach to world-building, where even common creatures have a story. Collectors often seek out cards from the Alliances set due to its historical significance in the evolution of the game. Deadly Insect (86a) is particularly noted for its straightforward yet powerful effect, making it a staple in discussions about early game design. For those building vintage collections, this card represents a key piece of the Alliances puzzle. Its presence in the set highlights the variety of strategies available to players during that time, from aggressive attacks to resilient defenses., we appreciate the enduring appeal of classic Magic: The Gathering cards. Whether you are a seasoned player looking to complete a set or a new enthusiast exploring the game's history, Deadly Insect offers a glimpse into the foundational mechanics that shaped the trading card game. Its simple yet effective design continues to resonate with fans who value the strategic depth of early expansions.
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Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
The core identity of the card within the set.
Featured Subject
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Deadly Insect
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Common
Scott Kirschner
Card Stock
English
{4}{G}
Creature — Insect
6 / 1
G
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Shroud (This creature can't be the target of spells or abilities.)
"Beautiful, indeed—but one sting could fell a Giant in a heartbeat." —Taaveti of Kelsinko, Elvish Hunter
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mana cost for Deadly Insect in Magic: The Gathering?
Deadly Insect requires five mana to cast, specifically four generic mana and one green mana. This mana value makes it a mid-to-late game play, requiring players to establish a strong mana base before summoning the creature.
How does the Shroud ability work on this card?
The Shroud ability means that Deadly Insect cannot be the target of any spells or abilities controlled by opponents. This provides complete protection from removal spells, targeting effects, and buffs, making it a difficult creature to interact with directly.
What set is the Deadly Insect card number 86a from?
This card is from the Alliances expansion, released in 1996. It is a common creature card within that set, featuring the Insect subtype and green color identity, which was part of Magic's early exploration into multi-colored and tribal strategies.
Cards Named Deadly Insect
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