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About This Card

Card #86b from the 1996 Alliances expansion: Deadly Insect, a unique Magic: The Gathering creature with the Shroud ability.

Deadly Insect

1996 • Magic: The Gathering • Alliances

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Market Value
Raw/Ungraded Market: $0.17
Updated about 16 hours ago
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Raw / Ungraded

TCGplayer Market (reference) · Guide Estimate evidence · captured Nov 11, 2026

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Product Overview

Description

Released in 1996 as part of the Alliances expansion, Deadly Insect (card #86b) stands as a notable piece of Magic: The Gathering history. Designed by artist Scott Kirschner, this Common rarity card introduces players to a formidable five-mana-cost creature that demands strategic consideration. With a power of 6 and toughness of 1, it offers significant offensive potential despite its fragility. The defining feature of this card is its ability, Shroud, which prevents the creature from being targeted by any spells or abilities. This mechanic adds a layer of complexity to gameplay, making Deadly Insect a protected asset on the battlefield. Collectors appreciate the card for its distinct rules text and its role in the early strategic depth of the game. As a staple of the Alliances set, Deadly Insect represents a specific era of design philosophy where individual card mechanics played a crucial role in deck construction. The card's legacy is tied to its contribution to the evolving meta of Magic: The Gathering during the mid-90s. For collectors, owning a copy of this card provides a tangible connection to the game's rich history. It serves as an essential component for those interested in the evolution of creature types and abilities. Whether you are building a vintage collection or studying game mechanics, this card offers insight into the creative decisions made by Wizards of the Coast. The Alliances expansion remains a significant chapter in TCG lore, and cards like Deadly Insect help define its identity. By understanding the context of the 1996 release, collectors can better appreciate the nuances of each card in the set. The interplay between power, cost, and unique abilities like Shroud continues to influence modern design, making historical cards like this one relevant to both new and veteran players. This product is a key identifier for fans of the Alliances era.

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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

#86b

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.)

"There is no time for pain when this beast leaves its terrible sting." —Jaeuhl Carthalion, Juniper Order Advocate

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mana cost of Deadly Insect?

Deadly Insect has a mana cost of four green mana and one generic mana, totaling five mana to cast. This places it in the mid-to-late game range for early Magic: The Gathering formats.

What does the Shroud ability do on this card?

Shroud prevents the creature from being targeted by any spells or abilities, including your own. This makes it immune to removal spells and beneficial buffs, offering unique protection on the battlefield.

Who is the artist for card #86b in Alliances?

Scott Kirschner is the credited artist for this card. His work on the Alliances expansion contributed to the distinct visual style of the 1996 release, which is highly regarded by collectors of vintage TCG cards.

Cards Named Deadly Insect

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