Several insect models have become staples in the community. One of the most famous is the "Kuwagata" (stag beetle) model, which has been used in hundreds of videos. It features a realistic black body, large mandibles, and a glossy finish. Another popular model is the "Kabutomushi" (rhinoceros beetle), known for its horn and bulky frame.
Butterfly and moth models are also common, though they present unique challenges. Their wings require complex physics to simulate fluttering. Some creators use MMD's built-in physics engine to achieve this, while others manually keyframe the wing movements.
There are also fantasy insect models. These include humanoid insects with insect heads and human bodies, or giant insects that tower over MMD's standard human models. Some creators mix genres, creating insect mecha or cyberpunk bugs with glowing neon parts.
Notable creators in the insect MMD space include Japanese users like "MushiP" and "BugAnime," who have been active for years. Their videos often feature original music and intricate choreography. Western creators are rarer but growing in number, especially on platforms like DeviantArt and Sketchfab.