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 hallmark year for The LEGO Group, it was the year LEGO produced its first Star Wars theme with Lucasfilm, beginning a trend of licensed LEGO products. This event came alongside the year that Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace was released reviving the Star Wars franchise. Along with the successful Star Wars theme being introduced, LEGO released Rock Raiders, Slizer/Throwbot and Winnie the Pooh. In addition, Ice Planet 2002 and the Spyrius theme was re-released. A number of themes were discontinued in 1999 which included Cyberslam, TechPlay, UFO, Insectoids, Znap and Model Team.