How to Draw a Tent Caterpillar

Step 1: The head

On the left, near the middle, draw a big round head, plum-sized. Leave lots of room on the right.

Tip The head is the biggest part of the caterpillar: make it big and round.

Step 2: Two feelers

Start on top of the head. Draw 2 short feelers up and out, each stopping at a little ball.

Step 3: Two big eyes

In the middle of the head draw 2 big egg eyes, a gap between. Colour a black dot in each.

Step 4: Smile and cheeks

Under the eyes draw a wide open smile, flat on top, U underneath. Add a round cheek each side.

Step 5: First two bumps

Start on the right of the head. Draw a round bump tucked behind, stopping on the head. Add another behind.

Tip Each bump hides behind the one in front, so only part shows.

Step 6: Three more bumps

Keep going: 3 more round bumps, each smaller, tucked behind the one before.

Step 7: Back stripes

Near the top of each bump draw a thin curved band, like a little rainbow, for the pale stripe.

Tip A pale stripe runs down the back: one little curve on each bump.

Step 8: Tiny legs

Under each bump draw 2 tiny legs, wide where they leave the bump and narrow at the foot.

Step 9: Branch and twig

Under the feet draw a thick branch, pointy at the left, with a knot. Add a twig behind the tail.

Step 10: The silk tent

From behind the first bump draw a big silk dome over the twig, down to the branch far right.

Tip Tent caterpillars spin a big white silk tent and live inside it together.

Step 11: Pink cheeks, cream stripes

Colour the round cheeks pink and the stripe bands on the bumps cream.

Step 12: Red mouth, brown head

Colour the mouth red, then the head and feeler balls brown around the cheeks and mouth. Leave the eyes white.

Step 13: Slate legs

Colour all the tiny legs slate grey.

Step 14: Navy bumps

Colour all five bumps navy blue, around the stripes and the legs.

Step 15: Wood branch, white tent

Colour the branch and twig wood brown around the feet, and leave the silk tent white. You're done!