How to Draw a Praying Mantis
Draw a detailed praying mantis step-by-step using simple shapes to create body, legs, and antennae. Practice observation and fine motor control.
About this tutorial
Draw a detailed praying mantis step-by-step using simple shapes to create body, legs, and antennae. Practice observation and fine motor control.
What you need
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Pick a clear picture of a praying mantis to look at while you draw.
- 2
Step 2
Lightly draw a small circle near the top of your paper for the head.
- 3
Step 3
Draw a slightly larger oval touching the circle for the thorax (middle part).
- 4
Step 4
Draw a long curved oval attached to the thorax for the abdomen.
- 5
Step 5
Draw two long thin curved lines from the top of the head for the antennae.
- 6
Step 6
Add two almond-shaped eyes on the head and a small line for the mouth.
- 7
Step 7
Sketch two thick bent front legs from the thorax with a clear elbow fold to show the raptorial pose.
- 8
Step 8
Draw two middle legs and two hind legs as long segmented lines from the thorax and abdomen.
- 9
Step 9
Outline wing shapes along the sides of the abdomen.
- 10
Step 10
Add thin vein lines across the wings and short segment lines on the body for texture.
- 11
Step 11
Draw small triangular spines along the inner edges of the front legs for detail.
- 12
Step 12
Trace the lines you like best with the fine-tip marker to make them bold.
- 13
Step 13
Erase the light pencil lines gently and then color your praying mantis using your colouring materials.
- 14
Step 14
Share your finished praying mantis drawing on DIY.org.
Get inspired
Fun facts
How do you draw a praying mantis step-by-step?
Start by observing a reference photo. Step 1: lightly sketch an oval for the thorax and a slightly larger elongated oval for the abdomen. Step 2: add a small triangle or rounded rectangle for the head and two dots for eyes. Step 3: draw long curved lines for legs—front raptorial legs bend like elbows—and add thin antennae from the head. Step 4: refine shapes into jointed segments, add details like wing lines and texture, erase guide lines, then ink and color.
What materials do I need to draw a praying mantis?
You'll need plain drawing paper, HB and 2B pencils for light sketching and darker lines, an eraser, a sharpener, fine-tip black pen or marker for outlines, colored pencils/watercolors/markers for coloring, a ruler for straight lines if desired, and a clear reference photo or live observation. Optional: magnifying glass to study details, blending stump for shading, and tape to secure paper. Use non-toxic art supplies for children.
What ages is drawing a praying mantis suitable for?
This step-by-step mantis drawing works well for children ages 5–12 with adjustments. Ages 5–7 benefit from simplified shapes and adult guidance for cutting or tiny details; 8–10 can follow more precise proportions and jointed legs; 11–12 can add fine textures, shading, and scientific labels. Always supervise younger kids, choose appropriate materials, and let older children explore their own styles to build confidence and motor skills.
What are the benefits of drawing a praying mantis for children?
Drawing a praying mantis strengthens observation, concentration, and fine motor control as children copy segmented legs, antennae, and body shapes. It teaches patience, proportion, and basic insect anatomy—linking art to science. Repeated practice improves hand-eye coordination and attention to detail. Encourage labeling parts to boost vocabulary and curiosity about nature. Use non-toxic materials and proper posture; take breaks to avoid strain, especially for younger artists.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of a fine-tip marker or special colouring materials?
If you don't have a fine-tip marker to 'Trace the lines you like best', use a sharpened dark pencil or ballpoint pen for bold lines and color with crayons or colored pencils from your colouring materials.
My mantis's front legs look stiff or the proportions are wrong — how can we fix that?
If the two thick bent front legs lack a clear elbow fold or the head/thorax/abdomen look out of proportion, redraw using light guide shapes (small circles and joint lines) while comparing to your reference photo before tracing and erasing.
How can I adapt this drawing activity for different age groups?
For younger children, simplify to the basic small circle for the head, oval thorax and long abdomen and skip fine steps like 'Add thin vein lines across the wings' and 'Draw small triangular spines', while older kids can add detailed wing veins, body texture lines, and shading before tracing.
How can we extend or personalize the praying mantis drawing after coloring?
After you 'Erase the light pencil lines gently and then color', cut out the colored mantis and glue it onto a painted leaf background or add a watercolor wash to the wings and extra vein/spine details before sharing on DIY.org.