Tattoo Lover’s Favorite – Moth Tattoo Guide (With Examples!)

When it comes to picking out a moth tattoo for yourself, there are many different options you can opt for.

Its core meaning is transformation, transition and resilience, and as such, it can be a part of any tattoo lover’s visual story.

Looking to find your own unique moth tattoo? Scroll down and find the inspiration you were looking for!

As a creature of the night, moths have long fascinated people, especially ones that are interested in mysticism and witchcraft.

In fact, many witches believe that moths are messengers from the spirit world, bringing important messages and insights from beyond.

Moths have an eerie and dark appearance to match, unlike their daytime counterpart the butterfly.

However, moths, too, begin as caterpillars, retreat into a chrysalis, and are reborn in a completely new form.

Moths, much like the other small insects and animals such as hummingbirds, bees, spiders, are found around the world, and have influenced mythologies and popular beliefs to create unique symbolism in every nook and corner of it.

To start with, in the ancient Greece, moths were perceived to be representation of our souls and the afterlife. This myth probably came from the visual depiction Greeks initially drew of the soul – stick figure with wings. Even the word “psyche” means bout butterfly and soul.

Across the ocean, certain Native American tribes considered moths to be the messengers of the spirit world, in charge of very important messages, both in rituals or outside of them.

Moving along to the far east, and going more positive in meaning, the Chinese considered moths to be symbols of good luck and fortune – so much so, that they were painted on luxury goods as a sign of wealth and abundance.

Difference of Butterfly and Moth Meanings

This process of going from a caterpillar to a butterfly or a moth ties the symbolism of these two creatures together – it represents the transformation possible within all of us.

This transformation includes change, rebirth, immortality, as well.

But where are the differences?

Well, butterflies are associated with the day, and moths are symbolic of the dark.

Therefore, butterflies are considered to have a positive meaning, connected to angels, happiness, love, good luck.

In theory, moths have evolved before butterflies, which makes the older sibling.

Their image is related to their noctural lives and eerie presence. Not all are dull-coloured, but the most common one are, contributing to their image of being gloomy, dark, connected to the death and afterlife.

There are many moth species around the world.

Below you will find the most common moths used in tattoo designs, and their unique symbolism:

Luna moth tattoo – this moth commonly symbolises spiritual transformation, even rebirth like many other animals such as snakes, butterflies, eagles, phoenix, and the celestial body – moon. When it comes to a luna moth tattoo design, it can work great in a colorful piece due to its bright green color.

Atlas moth tattoo – this beautiful species of moths is one of the largest in the world, which makes it meaning of strength and resilience very fitting. Additionally, it is tied to the symbolism of personal growth and self-transformation through overcoming obstacles and challenges.

Black witch moth tattoo – this moth is common in South America, where much of its meaning stems. In some parts of Mexico and the Caribbean seeing a black witch indicates impeding death, especially if an illness is already present in the house. On the contrary, in other cultures, the visit from the black witch is symbolic of a deceased loved one’s soul returning to greet you. If you are looking to get a tattoo based on the scene from the movie Silence of the Lambs, this is the moth you’re looking for!

Rosy maple moth tattoo – one of the more adorable ones in appearance, this moth’s bright pink and yellow colors are logically connected to the meanings of joy, good fortune and happiness. Furthermore, Rosy maple’s stunning and vivid colors can be metaphorically tied to seeking light during darkness and finding joy in hard times.

Cecropia moth tattoo – this unique moth species is often though to symbolize creativity, spirituality, and a connection to nature. Despite their short adult life, these beautiful creatures embody resilience and serve as an inspiration to many.

Death’s-head Hawkmoth tattoo – if you’re looking for a darker tattoo motive, this moth is the choice for you. It’s known for its skull-shaped marking on its thorax and is often associated with death and the afterlife. In some cultures, it is believed that seeing this moth is a sign of impending death or misfortune.

One of the most popular placements is the moth sternum tattoo, especially with spread wings that gives it an interesting horizontal framing that fits beautifully below the chest.

That said, a moth chest tattoo is also a great option, as the horizontal framing can be done well across the chest.

For a smaller version you can get a small moth neck tattoo on the side, or a moth throat tattoo with a more landscape placement.

The moth hand tattoo (one of the more popular “job stopper” tattoos) is done on a smaller round canvas that is the outer hand, and it can look great both with spread and closed wings of the moth.

For a larger piece, as well as more room to add flowers, vines, the moon, or other animals such as the raven, a moth thigh tattoo is the perfect choice.