Insectoids was a LEGO Space subtheme released in 1998 that consisted of 17 sets. The Insectoids story line was based on the cybernetic Zotaxians and their droids who fled their home planet of Zotax after a war with their leader. During the escape they crash landed on the massive planet Holox, but the planet was too hostile on the surface for survival so they tunneled underground and built cities. The Zotaxians owned vehicles called Insectoids that were insect-like in appearance and were desigend to escape the underground insects.
1999 LEGO Sets
1999 was a landmark year with the launch of LEGO Star Wars, the company’s first licensed theme, debuting alongside The Phantom Menace. This partnership with Lucasfilm transformed LEGO’s strategy and ushered in the era of licensed themes. New original lines included Rock Raiders, Slizers (Throwbots), and Adventurers: Jungle, while LEGO Education was formally established from LEGO Dacta. Several older themes—Cyberslam, TechPlay, UFO, Insectoids, Znap, and Model Team—were retired, marking a clear generational shift toward modern play concepts and digital engagement.