Origami Segmented Bug

origami segmented bug
This origami segmented bug is surprisingly easy to make despite the number of steps involved. You need to know how to pleat paper which is basically folding back-and-forth, like when you make an origami fan.

This model was inspired by Wood Louse by Joost Langeveld. The design can be used to make any kind of bug, you just have to modify it so it has the details that you want. The bug can be:
– made more round like a bed bug; or
– elongated like a larvae; or
– you can give it a stinger (though, most segmented bugs don’t have a stinger).

Instructions for Origami Segmented Bug

origami segmented bug

Step 1:

Start with a square sheet of paper with the colored-side facing up.

Fold and unfold in half along the diagonals in both directions to get an X crease mark.

origami segmented bug

Step 2:

Turn the paper over. Fold in half from left to right. Unfold.

origami segmented bug

Step 3:

Fold the paper in half top to bottom.

origami segmented bug

Step 4:

Push the left and right upper corners of the paper towards one another. At the same time, allow the top layer to come towards you (red dot).

origami segmented bug

Keep pushing in and allowing the point (red dot) to lift up.

origami segmented bug
Swivel the front flap of paper towards the right. There should be a similar flap of paper behind the model, fold this one towards the left. This is called a Preliminary Base and it is the foundation to many great origami pieces.

origami segmented bug

Step 5:

Fold the bottom-left and bottom-right edges of the paper towards the center to meet with the vertical crease line.

origami segmented bug

Step 6:

Fold the top part of the model downwards as shown.

origami bug

Step 7:

Unfold the last 3 moves bringing the model back to the preliminary base.

origami bug

Step 8:

Lift the top layer of paper upwards.

origami bug
In transition.

origami bug
In transition.

origami bug
Turn the model over.

origami bug

Step 9:

Repeat steps 5 & 8 on this side of the model. Start by folding in the left and right edges of the model towards the center.

origami bug
Unfold


origami bug

Step 10:

Lift the top layer of paper.


origami bug
Almost there. This is called a Bird Base.

origami bug

Step 11:

Bring down the top layer.

origami bug

Step 12:

Bring down the small triangular flap.

origami bug

Step 13:

Fold up a section of paper. The width of this section will define the size of the segments of the bug.


origami bug
Unfold


origami bug

Step 14:

Fold the small triangular flap in half.


origami bug

Step 15:

Refold the crease made in step 13.


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Step 16:

Fold the section back up and that is the first segment of the bug.


origami bug

Step 17a:

Start to pleat the model. Mountain fold (fold back) the top flap.


origami bug

Step 17b:

Fold the flap back up (shown with a dotted x-ray line). This is the second segment of the bug made.


origami bug

Step 18a:

Repeat by first making a mountain fold…


origami bug
…then a valley fold to bring the flap back up.


origami bug

Step 19:

Continue pleating until you run out of paper or until the body is as long as you want it to be.


origami bug

Step 20:

Start to fold the other half of the segmented bug’s body. Bring the bottom layer up.


origami bug

Step 21:

Fold the flap back down; make the fold close to the existing crease.


origami bug
This makes a ridge for the next segment (shown with red arrowhead).

origami bug

Step 22:

As before, pleat the paper. First mountain fold, then a valley fold to delineate the sections.


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Step 23:

Mountain fold (fold back) and leave the tip behind the model. The last segment will be the head of the bug.


origami bug
Turn the model over to work on the antenna.


origami bug origami bug

Step 24:

Work on one side. Make a Rabbit Ear fold. To do this, first fold the paper towards the right.
Unfold.


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Fold the same paper towards the left.
Unfold.

origami bug
Pinch the paper together using the two creases made above as a guide.


origami bug
Swivel the flap towards the right.

origami bug

Step 25:

Fold the flap of paper down towards the head of the bug.


origami bug

Step 26:

Repeat on the other side. Fold and unfold the paper to the right.


origami bug
Then fold and unfold the paper towards the left.


origami bug
Pinch the paper together and…


origami bug
…swivel it towards the left.


origami bug

Step 27:

Fold down the flap of paper to make the other antennae.


origami bug
Turn the model over and rotate so the head is pointing up.


origami bug

Step 28:

Mountain fold (fold back) the left and right sides of the bug. You can make it a fat & round bug or a skinny & long bug.


origami dragonfly

Step 29:

Round the corners and edges by folding back the paper.

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Step 30:

The segmented bug is pretty much done. All you have to do is to give it a little character. You can:
– curl the antennae,
– adjust the length and width of the bug,
– include or exclude a stinger, and
– curve the body.

If you’ve made it this far, you’ve done a great job!