Draw Different Kinds of Butterflies
Draw and color five different butterfly species by observing reference pictures, practicing wing patterns, symmetry, and labeling features to learn about diversity.
Step-by-step guide to draw different kinds of butterflies
How To Draw A Kid Catching Butterflies
Step 1
Gather all your materials and spread them out on a flat table so everything is easy to reach.
Step 2
Choose five butterfly species from your reference pictures and decide which one goes in each spot on your paper.
Step 3
Lightly draw five small ovals spaced across the page to mark the bodies of the five butterflies.
Step 4
Draw a light vertical centerline through each oval to show where the wings will mirror each other.
Step 5
For each oval draw the wing shape on one side using the reference picture to copy the outer wing outline.
Step 6
Carefully copy the wing shape across the centerline to make the opposite wing match so both sides are symmetrical.
Step 7
Add the wing patterns and markings on both sides for each butterfly using details from the reference pictures.
Step 8
Draw eyes and antennae on each butterfly body so they look finished and recognizable.
Step 9
Trace your final outlines with a black marker or a darker pencil so the shapes and patterns stand out.
Step 10
Erase the light guide lines and any extra pencil marks so each butterfly looks clean.
Step 11
Color each butterfly following the reference colors and keep patterns mirrored on both wings for neat symmetry.
Step 12
Write the species name next to each butterfly to label what you drew.
Step 13
Write one short sentence about how the five butterflies are different such as color pattern wing shape or size.
Step 14
Share your finished creation on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use if I don't have the reference pictures the instructions ask for?
Use photos on your phone or tablet, pages from nature books or magazines, or quick sketches of live butterflies laid out on your table as the 'reference pictures' when you gather all your materials.
My wings don't look symmetrical after copying across the centerline—how do I fix that?
After you draw the wing shape on one side using the reference picture, fold the paper gently along the light vertical centerline and rub the pencil line to transfer it or use tracing paper to copy and flip the wing so the opposite wing matches across the centerline.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages?
For younger kids pre-draw the five small ovals and centerlines and let them color simple mirrored patterns with crayons, while older children can add detailed markings from the reference pictures, trace final outlines with marker, label each species, and write the comparative sentence about color, pattern, wing shape, or size.
What are some ways to extend or personalize our butterfly drawings?
Enhance your page by adding a habitat background, using mixed media like watercolor or collage on the wings, gluing textured papers, neatly writing each species name next to its butterfly, photographing the finished creation, and then share it on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to draw different kinds of butterflies
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Facts about butterfly biology and diversity
✨ Monarch butterflies migrate up to around 3,000 miles between North America and Mexico each year.
🔁 Butterfly wings are almost perfectly mirror-symmetric, so drawing one wing and copying it helps get symmetry right.
🎨 Many butterfly colors come from tiny wing scales that reflect light (structural coloration), not just pigments.
🛡️ Some butterflies use mimicry or camouflage — for example, the viceroy mimics the poisonous monarch to avoid predators.
🦋 There are about 17,500 species of butterflies worldwide — plenty of wing patterns to study!
How do I guide my child to draw five different butterfly species?
What materials do I need to draw and color different butterfly species?
What ages is the butterfly drawing activity suitable for?
What are the benefits and fun variations for drawing different butterflies?
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