In this quick tutorial you'll learn how to draw a Platypus in 7 easy steps - great for kids and novice artists.
The images above represent how your finished drawing is going to look and the steps involved.
Below are the individual steps - you can click on each one for a High Resolution printable PDF version.
At the bottom you can read some interesting facts about the Platypus.
Make sure you also check out any of the hundreds of drawing tutorials grouped by category.
How to Draw a Platypus - Step-by-Step Tutorial
Step 1: Begin by drawing the mouth. Even though platypuses are mammals, they have a flat bill like a duck.
Step 2: Now let's add some detail to the face. For the eyes, draw two small circles at the end of the bill. For the nostrils, draw two small circles at the other end of the bill.
Step 3: Now draw the neck and the first foot. Did you know? Platypuses have webbed feet that they use to swim through the water.
Step 4: Next, draw the platypus' body. Draw a short line behind the first foot, and a longer line on the other side. Leave a lot of space open on the back of the body--that's where you'll add the tail later.
Step 5: Now draw the other front foot. Don't forget to add the webbing between the toes!
Step 6: Your next step is to draw the hind foot. It should look like the front one, but be a little bit longer and skinnier.
Step 7: Now that you've drawn the platypus' head and body, all that's left is the tail. Platypuses have a very wide and flat tail, much like a beaver. This tail helps to propel the platypus while underwater, where it can breathe for almost 30 seconds!
Interesting Facts about Platypuses
Platypuses are mammals that are native to the eastern region of Australia. They live in wet habitats such as freshwater streams, marshes, and rivers. Platypuses also live in highlands and tropical rainforests.
Did You Know?
- Platypuses have webbed feet and a large bill like ducks, thick brown waterproof fur, and a tail like a beaver.
- The average length of a male platypus is 20 inches. Female platypuses, on average, are 17 inches long.
- Platypuses are considered adults when they are 9 years old.
- Their average lifespan is about 17 years in the wild and 11 years in captivity.
- Platypuses can breathe under water for at least 30 seconds at a time.
- Platypuses are carnivores; they only eat meat, usually crustaceans and insect larvae.
- They usually sleep for 14 hours a day.
Platypuses are the only mammals that lay eggs. It takes about 28 days for an egg to hatch. Usually, female platypuses lay two or three eggs at a time. Platypuses are also the only mammals with the ability to find their prey using electroreception. This means that they can detect electric fields that come from their prey’s muscle contractions. Even more interesting, male platypuses are one of only a few mammals that produce venom.
How To Draw A Platypus – Step-by-Step Tutorial