Deadly Insect MTG Card

Deadly Insect’s shroud ability adds lasting battlefield strength and strategic advantage to green decks. While its discard requirement and mana cost are drawbacks, its robust resilience often outweighs these cons. Its potential in creature-focused decks and meta relevance makes it a valuable collectible for green players.

Alliances (ALL)
1996-06-10 - Number 86a

Alliances (ALL)
1996-06-10 - Number 86b

Mercadian Masques (MMQ)
1999-10-04 - Number 238

Beatdown Box Set (BTD)
2000-10-01 - Number 53

Deadly Insect - Coldsnap Theme Decks (CST)

Coldsnap Theme Decks (CST)
2006-07-21 - Number 86a

Card sets	Released in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Insect
Abilities	Shroud
Power	6
Toughness	1

Text of card

Cannot be the target of spells or effects.

"Beautiful, indeed—but one sting could fell a Giant in a heartbeat." —Taaveti of Kelsinko, Elvish Hunter

Cards like Deadly Insect

Deadly Insect is a card familiar to many players of Magic the Gathering, noted for its strong presence as a creature. Its ambush potential due to shroud separates it from many in its class. Comparable to Deadly Insect in terms of being a robust creature is Blastoderm, which offers the shelter of shroud for a brief time and packs a formidable power and toughness. However, Blastoderm’s fading ability limits its tenure on the battlefield, whereas Deadly Insect can remain indefinitely if unstopped.

Another similar card is Canopy Cover, which bestows not just shroud but also allows the creature it enchants to evade defenders. Despite the powerful effect, unlike Deadly Insect, Canopy Cover requires a creature to enchant, making it more situational. Thrun, the Last Troll offers both regeneration and hexproof, making it a resilient threat in many of the same scenarios where Deadly Insect shines. However, Thrun’s higher mana cost and legendary status mean you can only have one in play at a time.

In summary, while there are several options for players looking for creatures that can dodge targeted spells, the simplicity and robustness of Deadly Insect give it a unique spot in MTG as a reliable and enduring creature on the battlefield.

Thrun, the Last Troll - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Deadly Insect by color, type and mana cost

Ashaya, Soul of the Wild - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Deadly Insect’s robust resilience to spot removal ensures a prolonged presence on the battlefield. This generates indirect card advantage as it often requires multiple resources from an opponent to handle.

Resource Acceleration: Though not a direct accelerator, its steadfast position on the board allows players to commit other cards to develop their resources safely, knowing Deadly Insect is providing solid defense.

Instant Speed: While Deadly Insect itself doesn’t have instant speed, its mere presence can influence the timing of your opponent’s actions, giving you the tactical benefit of playing your instants with more information at your disposal.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Deadly Insect offers a robust presence on the battlefield with its decent power and toughness, its inclusion in a deck may come with a strategic cost. Some players might find the potential discard requirement for certain interactions with other cards to be a setback, especially during tight game situations where every card in hand counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Another aspect to consider with Deadly Insect is its specific mana cost. The card’s reliance on green mana means that it fits primarily into green-themed decks or those that can generate the necessary mana types. This can be restrictive and may not align with the player’s overall deck strategy or mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost totaling five mana, this insect may sometimes feel like a heavy investment, particularly when compared to other creatures in the same cost bracket. Players may opt for alternatives that offer additional abilities or synergies for the same or lower mana investment, making Deadly Insect a less favorable choice in some scenarios.

Reasons to Include Deadly Insect in Your Collection

Versatility: Deadly Insect is a strong addition to any green deck, particularly those that need a durable creature on the board. Its shroud ability makes it resistant to targeted spells or abilities, allowing it to remain a constant threat on the battlefield.

Combo Potential: This insect can be a key component in decks that capitalize on creatures with high resistance to removal. It can work well with green’s penchant for buffs and enhancements, making it a formidable force when paired with the right supporting cards.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta filled with control decks, Deadly Insect becomes an invaluable asset due to its inherent protection from targeted removal spells. It’s a reliable creature that can hold the fort against many common threats found in competitive play.

How to beat

Deadly Insect is a creature card that can pose a significant challenge due to its shroud ability, which prevents it from being the target of spells or abilities. Its strength relies on being an elusive threat that can steadily damage your opponent without being easily removed. However, there are strategies to counter this card successfully.

Board wipes, such as Wrath of God or Damnation, are effective tools since they do not target individual creatures, bypassing the shroud ability entirely. Global effects that change the rules of engagement, like Meekstone, which restricts creatures with power 3 or greater from untapping during their controller’s untap step, can also mitigate the threat posed by Deadly Insect.

More creative solutions include utilizing cards that force your opponent to sacrifice creatures, such as Liliana of the Veil, or employing a card like Engineered Plague, naming insects to weaken the Deadly Insect passively. By integrating these strategies into your deck, you can overcome the resilience of Deadly Insect and maintain control over the battlefield.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Deadly Insect MTG card by a specific set like Alliances and Alliances, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Deadly Insect and other MTG cards:

BUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Deadly Insect Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1996-06-10 and 2006-07-21. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1996-06-10	Alliances	ALL	86a	1993	Normal	Black	Scott Kirschner
2	1996-06-10	Alliances	ALL	86b	1993	Normal	Black	Scott Kirschner
3	1999-10-04	Mercadian Masques	MMQ	238	1997	Normal	Black	Randy Gallegos
4	2000-10-01	Beatdown Box Set	BTD	53	1997	Normal	White	Randy Gallegos
5	2006-07-21	Coldsnap Theme Decks	CST	86a	2003	Normal	Black	Scott Kirschner

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Deadly Insect has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal