How to Draw a Moth (Easy Step by Step)
A moth is a friendly bug to draw because it is mostly circles and curvy leaf shapes. You will start with a round head and feathery antennae, add a long body, then draw two pairs of wings that match on both sides. The big eye spots on the wings are the best part.
- Easy
- 10 minutes
- 8 steps
You need: paper, a pencil, an eraser, and crayons or markers for coloring.
Start drawingIn this article (7 sections)
How to draw a moth step by step
How to Draw a Moth · tinyhandscreate.com
Step 1: Head and feather ticks
Draw a small rounded head with two little dots inside for eyes. Then add three short slanted ticks floating above and to each side of the head, like little dashes.
Step 2: One side of the body
Start at the bottom of the head on the right side and draw a long, gently curved line going down. Finish with a little curl at the bottom.
Step 3: Curved antennae
From the top of the head, draw two curved lines that sweep up and outward like a V. Let each one run through its short ticks so they look like feathers.
Step 4: The top wings
Starting at the head, draw a big rounded wing sweeping out to each side, like a leaf. Bring each wing back toward the body and leave the bottom edge open.
Step 5: Bottom wings and body
Draw the other side of the body, a long curved line down from the head that matches the first one. Then add a smaller wing under each top wing that curves out and down, with a few wavy bumps along the bottom edge.
Step 6: Big wing rings
In the middle of each top wing, draw a large circle. Make both circles about the same size.
Step 7: Center dots
Fill in a small solid round dot in the center of each big ring, so they look like eyes.
Step 8: Little wing circles
Draw one small circle in the lower part of each bottom wing. Keep the inside empty.
All done!
Go over your lines with a marker, then color it in.
Finished your moth? Keep the pencils out and learn how to draw an emu or how to draw a sleeping bear next.
Tips for drawing a moth
- Draw the two top wings about the same size. Compare the left and right sides as you go so the moth looks balanced.
- The bumpy bottom edge of the lower wings is the trickiest part. Draw three or four small round scallops in a row and do not worry if they are not perfect.
- Keep the feather ticks short and let them all lean the same direction. Draw them the same way on both sides so they look like feathers.
Free moth coloring page
Want to go straight to coloring? Open this moth 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 moth drawing
Try soft browns, tans and creamy yellows for a real moth, with dark brown in the big center dots. For a twist, make a rainbow moth with a different color in each ring.
Moth fun fact for kids
Many moths and butterflies have eye-shaped spots on their wings. The spots can startle a hungry bird and give the insect time to fly away.
Questions about drawing a moth
What shapes do I need to draw a moth?
You need a small rounded head, a long curved body, and four rounded leaf shapes for the wings. Add big circles in the top wings and small circles in the bottom wings for the spots.
How is a moth different from a butterfly?
Moths often have thicker bodies and feathery antennae, while butterflies have thin antennae with little knobs at the ends. In this drawing, the comb-like ticks on the antennae make it look like a moth.
How do I make my moth look cuter?
Make the head a little bigger and put the two eye dots wide apart. Then color the wings in bright colors.
