How To Draw a Caterpillar Step By Step Tutorial

It’s caterpillar drawing time! Let’s learn how to draw a caterpillar together with this easy-to-follow step-by-step tutorial. This guide is simple, quick, and a lot of fun for anyone who wants to create a friendly little garden bug.

As with our other tutorials, you can grab the printable with all the steps at the end so you can practice anywhere. Whether you are at home or in the classroom, this directed drawing guide is a great way to build confidence. Ready to get started? Grab your supplies and let’s go!

What You Need

• Our caterpillar directed drawing printable
• Marker or pencil
• Paper
• Coloring supplies

Caterpillar Drawing Instructions

Step 1: The Head

Start by drawing a simple circle on the left side of your paper. This will be the head of your caterpillar.

Make sure to place it high enough so that the body can curve underneath it later on. Don’t worry if your circle isn’t perfectly round—a little character makes it look even better!

Step 2: Add the Face

Next, let’s give our caterpillar a friendly face. Inside the circle you just drew, add two small, solid ovals for the eyes.

Draw a tiny dot for the nose and a small “U” shape for a happy smile. This brings your little bug to life and makes it look very cheerful.

Step 3: Draw the Antennae

Now it is time to add the antennae so the caterpillar can feel its way around. On top of the head, draw two long, thin shapes that curve slightly at the ends.

These look a bit like long balloons or the letter “J.” They should sit right next to each other in the middle of the head.

Step 4: Start the Body

Let’s start building the long body! Underneath the head, draw two more circles that connect to each other. These should be roughly the same size as the head.

Notice how they sit slightly below and to the side, starting the curve of the caterpillar’s crawling pose.

Step 5: Continue the Segments

To make the caterpillar longer, we need to add more segments. Draw three more circles trailing behind the first ones.

Make them follow a slight upward curve to give the impression that the caterpillar is wiggling along a leaf or a branch. You should now have a total of five body segments behind the head.

Step 6: Add Legs and a Tail

Last but not least, let’s add the final details. At the very end of the last body segment, draw a tiny triangle for a little tail spike.

Then, draw small “V” shapes under each body segment to represent the legs. Your caterpillar is now finished and ready to go find a snack!

Congratulations! You have officially learned how to draw a caterpillar.

Download The PDF Instruction Sheet

Time to Color

Now that you have finished your drawing, it’s time to color it. Most caterpillars are bright green, but you can get creative!

You could make yours have colorful spots, rainbow segments, or even stripes. Use your favorite markers or crayons to make your garden friend stand out.

Happy drawing!