2D diagram

How to make a paper beetle cutout

Paper Beetle Cutout: try all 3 steps in the 3D player. Turn and replay every move. Print the complete diagram sheet or save it as PDF.

EasyAn Origami Tutor design3 steps15 × 15 cm · One square

Fold a square in half, cut one joined outline through both layers, then open a symmetric stag beetle with curved jaws, a round body and six bent legs.

You need: Thin paper, a pencil, a ruler and scissors.
Start: Begin with a 15 cm square of dark green or black paper, colored side up. Keep an edge at the top.

Finish

Your model is ready

Smooth the centre crease. Draw the line between the wing cases down the middle with a dark pencil. Display the flat beetle on a card. The finished paper beetle, with its jaws at the top and its six legs spread to the sides.

3D paper

Whole sequence Finish

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3 steps · press any step to watch it in 3D

Step-by-step diagrams

1
Fold the square in half
Bring the left edge to the right edge. Match the corners and press the vertical fold. Keep the folded edge on the left.
2
Cut the beetle outline
Start on the folded edge at the top of the head. Cut out along the short antenna and the long curved jaw, back to the head, then down the side of the thorax. Cut out and back along each of the three legs in turn, round the wing cases and finish on the folded edge at the back. Keep the half beetle beside the fold and remove the surrounding paper.
3
Open the beetle
Open the centre fold gently. The head, jaws, body and all six legs stay joined in one sheet.
✓
Finish
Smooth the centre crease. Draw the line between the wing cases down the middle with a dark pencil. Display the flat beetle on a card. The finished paper beetle, with its jaws at the top and its six legs spread to the sides.