What's the Meaning Behind a Moth Tattoo?

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Learn more about the significance of luna moths and other designs

Co-authored by Luke Smith, MFA Reviewed by Stina Garbis

Last Updated: December 20, 2023 Fact Checked

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What does a moth tattoo symbolize?

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Moth Tattoo Design Ideas

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You’ve probably seen plenty of butterfly tattoos, but what about moth tattoos? What do these furry critters signify when they’re inked onto someone’s skin? Tattoos are as personal an individual as the person they adorn, but a moth tattoo can often represent transformation or change. We’ll fill you in on other popular meanings, as well as show you some creative design ideas for your own moth tattoo.

Things You Should Know

Moth tattoos often represent transformation or rebirth, calling to mind a moth’s change from one life stage to the next.
Moth tattoos also sometimes represent death or mortality, especially in the case of the death’s-head hawkmoth, which has a skull pattern on its back.
Moths can also symbolize faith, passion, self-acceptance, or tranquility.

Section 1 of 2:

What does a moth tattoo symbolize?

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Transformation and rebirth Spiritually, moths often represent change. Moths, like butterflies, transform from unassuming larvae into mysterious, fragile, and beautiful creatures and so, like butterflies, also represent new beginnings or renewal.^{[1]
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- Moths tend to have a more somber or serious connotation than butterflies, however, given their coloring and nocturnal habits.
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Death or endings The death’s-head hawkmoth, which notably appears in The Silence of the Lambs and Salvador Dalí’s art, among others, has a distinct skull-like marking on its back. This skull lends the moth a macabre appearance that’s earned it an association with the concept of death or mortality.^{[2]
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- Someone with a death’s-head hawkmoth tattoo might be mourning the loss of a loved one, or want a reminder of life’s own fleeting nature.
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Tranquility Luna moths are among the most striking species. Like most species, they’re often active at night, but their bright coloring gives them a celestial vibe that recalls their namesake, the moon.^{[3]
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Research source} These ethereal insects evoke a sense of calmness or peace, and so are often associated with tranquility.
- Because of their association with the moon, which itself is also seen as a feminine presence, Luna moths are also sometimes symbols of femininity.
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Faith or passion Moths are famously attracted to flames and light, a poetic fact that can be a symbol of desire or chasing your passions. It can also be a symbol of faith; moths are drawn to light, just as we as humans are drawn to things we can’t always explain.
- Moth’s attraction to light is also sometimes a symbol of optimism, striving for good, or being the best you can be.
- On the flipside, moth’s attraction to fire has been a symbol of self-destruction or peril for quite some time, even appearing in ancient Arabic poetry.^{[4]
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Self-acceptance It’s no secret that moths are sometimes seen as the less-attractive cousin of butterflies.^{[5]
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Research source} But anyone who loves moths knows that they’re every bit as mysterious and captivating as their colorful relatives. That’s why moths can also be a powerful symbol of self-acceptance and appreciation, even when others don’t understand.
- Moths can also be extremely colorful and ornate! If you don’t believe us, just look at the elephant hawkmoth, the garden tiger moth, the jersey tiger moth, or the emperor moth, to name a few.^{[6]
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Nothing in particular Not every tattoo has a special meaning. Often, people get tattoos just because they think they look good, and they want to decorate their bodies. Someone with a moth tattoo might just appreciate moths’ appearance, and that’s all there is to it.
- Or, their tattoo might have a much more specific and personal meaning. Ask them politely what it might be, or don’t be afraid to get your own moth tattoo with its own special backstory.

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Moth Tattoo Design Ideas

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Get a blackwork moth tattoo for a more understated look. Blackwork tattoos are any that are created with just black ink.^{[7]
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Research source} It’s a perfect palette for moths, which are often muted in color. This style lends your tattoo some seriousness and mystery, without being too flashy.
- A tattoo that’s just linework will have a simple, striking feel. Or, add shading to make your tattoo a bit more intricate and detailed.
- This style also works especially well with the iconic death’s-head hawkmoth.
Moths aren’t always just black-and-white! The American traditional tattoo style uses bold lines and rich color to make your ink stand out against your skin, which is perfect for more colorful or design-oriented moth species.^{[8]
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Your moth doesn’t have to be photorealistic. Ask your artist to come up with their own interpretation of a moth to give it its own unique spin. It might have a certain expression, stand on two legs, or any number of other fun traits.
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Choose a geometric style to get a more abstract design. Geometric tattoos rely on simple shapes to convey an idea or a larger design. It’s a great way to add some artistic flair to a simple moth concept. Or, choose another tattoo design style to make your moth stand out:
- Watercolor tattoos emulate the style of watercolor paintings, and lend a tattoo a certain delicate, ethereal quality.
- New-school designs fall into a broad category, but often make use of lots of color and the tattoo artist’s personal illustrative style to create a unique work of art.
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Add other design elements to make your moth tattoo unique. Ask your tattoo artist to add a type of flower that’s special to you, or maybe a pattern on the moth’s wings that holds some significance. Altering a simple moth concept this way makes your own tattoo more personal, and all the more special.
- You might also add other insects or animals for a larger, more vibrant scene on your skin.
- Or, ask your artist to come up with their own vision of an entirely new moth species to get a one-of-a-kind tattoo.
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Choose your tattoo placement to add even more significance. Where you choose to place your tattoo on your body can add to its meaning. For example, a moth tattoo on the back of your hand can be a reminder of your own mortality that’s always visible.
- A moth on your chest can symbolize holding faith or passion in your heart.
- A moth on your legs or feet might represent travel or flight.
- A moth on your back or neck might represent freedom or intellect, respectively.