How to Draw a Praying Mantis: Easy 10-Step Guide

Ready to bring a fascinating insect to life? This guide is perfect for young artists ages 6+ who want to master insect anatomy. You'll only need a pencil, an eraser, and some paper to get started on this fun, screen-free creative project.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A colorful, finished illustration of a praying mantis, perfect for kids' art projects.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Head and Eye

Close-up sketch of a praying mantis head showing the large eye and pupil placement.

Draw a large oval for the head and a smaller one inside for the eye. Add a tiny circle for the pupil. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil lines very light here so you can easily erase the overlapping lines around the mouth later.

Step 2: Adding the Antennae

Drawing the two long, thin antennae extending from the top of the mantis head.

Extend two long, graceful curved lines from the top of the head. Teacher's Tip: Think of these like two thin, swaying blades of grass; don't worry if they aren't perfectly symmetrical!

Step 3: Forming the Thorax

Sketching the elongated thorax section behind the head of the praying mantis.

Draw a long, curved line from the back of the head and loop it back to create the thorax. Teacher's Tip: This is the 'chest' of the insect. Make sure it looks sturdy and slightly elongated.

Step 4: Defining Wings and Abdomen

Outlining the folded wings and the long, tapered abdomen of the praying mantis.

Draw the folded wings using two lines that meet at a point, then add the abdomen below. Teacher's Tip: The abdomen should look like a long, tapered tail. Keep your lines smooth to show the insect's sleek body.

Step 5: Sketching the Front and Middle Legs

Drawing the complex, bent structure of the front and middle legs using teardrop shapes.

Use teardrop shapes to build the forelegs and a zigzag line for the middle leg. Teacher's Tip: Mantis legs are very bendy! Use your eraser to clean up any lines where the legs overlap the body.

Step 6: Adding the Second Foreleg

Adding the second foreleg behind the first to create depth in the drawing.

Sketch the second foreleg peeking out from behind the first one. Teacher's Tip: Adding this 'hidden' leg creates depth, making your drawing look much more realistic and 3D.

Step 7: Drawing the Second Middle Leg

Sketching the second middle leg using zigzag lines to show the insect's jointed structure.

Use zigzag lines to draw the second middle leg. Teacher's Tip: Keep the lines light until you are happy with the angle, then press down firmly to finalize the shape.

Step 8: Adding the Rear Leg

Adding the long rear walking leg with a shaded foot tip.

Draw the long rear walking leg. Shade the tip of the foot to show where it touches the ground. Teacher's Tip: The 'knee' should point upward to give the mantis that classic, alert posture.

Step 9: Finalizing the Hindleg

Drawing the final hindleg partially hidden by the mantis abdomen.

Draw the final hindleg tucked behind the abdomen. Teacher's Tip: Don't forget to shade the tip of the foot just like you did in the previous step for consistency.

Step 10: Coloring Your Creation

A fully colored, vibrant green praying mantis drawing.

Time to bring your mantis to life! Use bright greens for a classic look, or try pinks and browns to mimic exotic species. Teacher's Tip: Use light pressure with your colored pencils to blend colors for a more natural, textured look.