With their transformative qualities, the symbols of rebirth — the moth and the butterfly — are enchanting and make gorgeous tattoos. Whether in color or black and gray, these winged creatures can be designed in so many ways, and they are all inspiring.
From the bright orange of the monarch butterfly or the mystical grays of the death's-head hawk moth, this choice of tattoo is very enchanting and meaningful. Here is a collection of beautiful designs.
Image via ashleigh290/Flickr
Monarch Butterfly
I love the white perfectly put in this tattoo to give it an extra beauty. Created by Shish at Hudson Valley Tattoo Company, it really is delicate perfection.
Jeweled Moth
This stunning moth tattoo created by Mignon Loevesijn of Clearwater Tattoo features ornate jewels and a crescent moon — love those added details.
Butterfly With Roses
This isn't just any butterfly tattoo, it's gorgeously nestled with roses and created by the very talented tattoo artist Amy Shapiro.
Brown Owl Moth
As a chest piece, this brown owl moth is perfection. The soft dot work is stunning — such a gorgeous tattoo created by Xander Redfern at Pens and Needles.
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Butterflies in Blue
The pretty blue really pops in this tattoo of butterflies and sweet cherry blossoms.
Death's-Head Hawk Moth
Drawn by Daphne Sweet and tattooed by Edwin Shaffer at Big Bear Tattoo on Camille Wreesman, these three death's-head hawk moth tattoos are perfectly in flight.
A Mini in Flight
I love the placement of this mini butterfly.
Dotwork Moth
The geometric pattern and deer head look incredible with the dotwork moth created by tattoo artist India Makinucci.
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Symbolic
These three different color butterflies with the words "All for you" hold special meaning — butterflies are symbolic of transformation and celebration.
Luna Moth
This is one of my tattoos, an enchanting luna moth by the incredible Minka Sicklinger at East Side Ink in NYC.
Winged Beauty
Another stunning blue butterfly tattoo — I think she should cover her back with many more.
Creative Death's Head
A sugar skull butterfly — I love this design of the death's-head moth.
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Enchanting
The delicate lines and swirls really pull this tattoo together.
Timeless
I love black and gray tattoos since they feel timeless — just like this one.
Like a Butterfly Garden
So delicate and pretty. A butterfly garden!
The First
This is the first tattoo for Hannah, and she chose well. You can't go wrong with a butterfly or moth, especially in black and gray.
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The Standout
In the midst of this design with swirls, smoke, and cherry blossoms, the two butterflies really stand out.
Orange Monarch
Why wouldn't you want to walk barefoot through the grass with an orange monarch butterfly tattooed on your foot? How perfect!
The All-Seeing Moth
This moth tattoo has a magical feel, and some all-seeing eyes added in as well.
Landing
So elegant, soft, and beautiful, this tattoo with the butterfly and branch is perfect on the arm.
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In Red
The bold red and saturated blacks in this butterfly tattoo make it feel powerful and passionate.
Simple
I adore this simple butterfly tattoo — a perfect pop, like eye candy.
In Yellow
The gorgeous yellow really stands out and I'm going to guess this tattoo was part of a time of transformation, a reminder of change and becoming more … becoming new.
Like Fairy Wings
These intricate butterfly wings remind me of fairy wings, too. Lovely.
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Colorful Details
The colors in this tattoo are superb.
