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About This Card

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 Value
Raw/Ungraded Market: $0.30
Updated 6 days ago
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Market & Price History

  • $0.30
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    Guide Estimate
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    +7.1%
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Raw / Ungraded

TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 5, 2026

Each point is the last stored observation that day for this printing, condition, grader, autograph status and source. Gaps mean no observation; guide estimates and asking prices are not completed sales.
Product Overview

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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Product Specs

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.

Year

1996

Series

Alliances

Card Number

#86a

Featured Subject

The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.

Game

Magic: The Gathering

TCG Attributes

Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.

Rarity

Common

Artist

Scott Kirschner

Material

Card Stock

Language

English

Mana cost

{4}{G}

Type

Creature — Insect

Power / Toughness

6 / 1

Color

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

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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

Explore cards with this name across sets and editions. Check each card’s details before choosing a version.