How to Draw a Hermit Crab (Easy Step by Step)
A hermit crab carries its home on its back, which makes it a fun and silly thing to draw. You only need a half circle, a big egg shape, a spiral, and a few short lines. It is a great first sea creature for young artists.
- Easy
- 12 minutes
- 7 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a hermit crab step by step
How to Draw a Hermit Crab · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Guide shapes
Lightly sketch these 2 ovals. They only show where the big parts go, so press softly. You will erase them at the end.
Step 2: The body
Draw a dome shape like half of a circle, with a flat line along the bottom. This is the hermit crab's cozy little body.
Step 3: The big shell
Draw a tall egg shape that leans a little to the right, starting where the back of the dome ends. Let it stretch up high so it looks like a big shell on the crab's back.
Step 4: The shell swirl
Inside the shell, start near the middle and draw a spiral that curls around and around. Stop before it touches the edge of the shell.
Step 5: The claws
Draw a small round claw with a pie-shaped bite cut out of it, touching the left side of the body. Then draw a second claw the same way by the bottom right of the body, near the shell.
Step 6: Eye stalks
Draw two short, straight lines standing up from the top of the dome. Leave a little space between them.
Step 7: Smile and legs
In the middle of the body, draw a small curved line like a smile. Then add a row of short little legs along the bottom edge of the body.
All done!
Erase the guide shapes, go over your lines, then color it in.
Finished your hermit crab? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw a lobster or how to draw a seashell next.
Tips for drawing a hermit crab
- Draw the egg-shaped shell tall and a little tilted, and let it touch the back of the dome so it looks like it is being carried.
- For the spiral, start in the center and slowly curl outward. It is easier than starting on the outside.
- For each claw, draw a small round shape and leave a little wedge open to make the pinching mouth.
- Keep the eye stalks and legs short and thin so the body and shell stay the stars of the drawing.
Free hermit crab coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this hermit crab coloring page at full size and print it. It is the same drawing you just learned, with clean lines ready for crayons or markers.
How to color your hermit crab drawing
Try an orange or red body with a shell in purple, pink, or yellow stripes that follow the spiral. For a creative twist, decorate the shell with tiny stars or dots.
Hermit crab fun fact for kids
Hermit crabs do not grow their own shells. They move into empty sea snail shells, and when they grow too big, they search for a larger shell to move into.
Questions about drawing a hermit crab
What shapes do I need to draw a hermit crab?
You need a half circle for the body, a tall egg shape for the shell, and a spiral inside it. Small round shapes with a wedge cut out make the claws, and a few short lines make the eye stalks and legs.
How do I draw a hermit crab shell spiral?
Start in the middle with a tiny curl and keep circling outward, leaving a little space between each loop. Stop before you reach the edge of the shell.
How do I make my hermit crab look cuter?
Give it a small curved smile and keep the legs short. Making the claws a little round and the shell big also makes it look extra friendly.
