This guide presents a collection of traditional origami insects, many of which you’ll find buzzing around your backyard.
Some of these designs may seem daunting at first glance, but you’ll be surprised at just how simple and easy they really are.
We have broken down each of the origami bugs below into easy-to-follow instructions that people of any age or skill level can accomplish!
The models are also arranged according to skill level, from the effortless ladybug to the more challenging dragonfly. Just click on the insect you want to assemble, and you’ll be taken to our step-by-step tutorial.
These are just a few of our guides that are part of our complete easy origami collection, so be sure to subscribe to our email list below to be notified when we add more designs!
Best Paper For Origami Bugs
To create the best and cleanest origami insects, I recommend using the thinnest paper possible.
“Duo Kami” paper is an excellent choice for beginners and is very accessible. This is likely the type of origami paper that you are most used to, with a vibrant color on one side and white on the other. I recommend Taro’s Origami Studio Kami pack.
Dedicated origami paper may improve your designs, but don’t let the need for fancy paper deter you from entering this amazing art. Trimming a regular piece of printer into a square works just fine for the models on this list!
With that, let’s get folding!
The Ladybug
First on the list is the vibrant origami ladybug! The ladybug is infamous for its spiritual relevance to good luck and protection. So if you want to give someone the blessing of good fortune, this paper ladybug is an excellent gift!
This ladybug is only seven steps and can be completed in under 5 minutes. Check out our origami ladybug tutorial here!
The Cicada
Cicadas are a familiar part of Japanese culture and have become a focal point for many origami artists.
The cicada is often seen as a symbol of resurrection or personal transformation and is a perfect gift for those undergoing their own personal trials.
This traditional cicada design is seven steps and can be completed in under 5 minutes. Check out our easy origami cicada tutorial here!
The Fly
The fly thrives in even the harshest of environments and symbolizes motivation, wealth, and abundance.
This traditional fly design is seven steps and can be folded in about 5 minutes. It can also be turned into other “bugs” using different color paper and decorations. Check out our traditional origami fly tutorial here!
The Butterfly
Don’t let this intricate-looking butterfly fool you! It is one of the easiest and most elegant designs in our entire origami collection and will leave you wondering what other paper masterpieces you can create just as effortlessly!
The graceful paper butterfly can make a perfect gift for that bug fanatic in your life and can be hung by a string or tacked to a wall for an easy decoration.
This easy butterfly is only ten steps and can be completed in under 5 minutes. Check out our easy origami butterfly tutorial here!
Best Origami Insect Books
The designs above only scratch the surface. If you want to continue adding to your origami bug arsenal, consider checking out one of the excellent books below!
Final Thoughts
Origami bugs are among the most popular and beloved designs to fold and are a perfect place to jump into this amazing craft.
If you found a spark of passion while browsing this guide, you might also enjoy visiting our growing origami tutorials here. There are many more origami designs out there to conquer, and like our friendly little insects, we only have a short time on this earth to do it!
Thank you for reading, and happy folding!