David Attenborough is the unsung hero of LEGO Insects

National treasure David Attenborough played an unlikely role in the creation of LEGO Ideas 21342 The Insect Collection.

Simply looking at the three main builds in LEGO Ideas 21342 The Insect Collection immediately demonstrates the level of detail that went into each one's design. From the articulated legs of the mantis to the gradient patterns on the butterfly and the translucent wings of the beetle, LEGO Ideas Design Manager and the lead designer on this set, Jordan Scott deserves credit for the lengths he went to in order to fine-tune every detail of the delicate builds.

“Some of our other colleagues, their partners are entomologists. However, we couldn't necessarily reach out to them because it was a confidential product,” explained LEGO Ideas Design Manager Jordan Scott. “I actually went to San Diego last year for ComicCon and went to the zoo, so I saw a Hercules Beetle and a Mantis, but the butterfly enclosure was closed-and they have the Morpho Butterfly! It was really annoying, but I couldn't get in to see them. I was trying to see how big they were to get a reference for scale."

In lieu of being able to see one of the insects in real life, Jordan turned to the next best thing: champion of the natural world, broadcaster Sir David Attenborough. A national treasure in the UK and popular worldwide, Sir David has made over 100 nature documentaries in his career. It's no surprise, then, that all three insects have featured in his shows over the years.

"[There was] a lot of watching videos [and reading] articles about them," noted Jordan. "David Attenborough helped a lot as well. We watch Our Planet and [shows] like that, just trying to find details."

All in all, it's paid off. As noted in our review, the three insects are undeniably true to life. Not only is their scale pretty close to reality, but even the plants that surround each creature are true to what would naturally appear in each one's actual habitat. Between clandestine entomology books, impromptu zoo trips, and Attenborough documentaries, the research certainly shines through.

21342 The Insect Collection will be available to buy for £69.99 / $79.99 / €79.99 and release for LEGO Insiders from September 4, with a wider launch starting from September 7.

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