Moth tattoos are often misinterpreted as butterfly tattoos. If you too have confused moth with butterfly then don’t blame your biology teacher as many moth species are strikingly similar in appearance to a butterfly. Biology doesn’t provide a distinct line between the Lepidoptera family of insects (which includes moths) to the monophyletic group (which includes butterflies).
Moth Tattoos vs Butterfly Tattoos
Over the years moth tattoos grew in popularity due to their similarity with butterfly tattoo designs. If you have decided to get inked with a moth tattoo then you should know a few pointers that can help you in distinguishing a butterfly tattoo design from a moth tattoo design.
The first and most popular distinction is that Moths are nocturnal insects, unlike butterfly that loves to collect nectars in the park during a sunny day. Secondly, Moths are attracted to light whether artificial or moonlight. This not so weird phenomenon was made popular on the internet thanks to the moth lamp meme. In a way, you can say that Moth is the Gollum and light is their ‘precious’ ring.
Many tattoo artists love to explore this phenomenon in their tattoo design but let me clear to you that it can change the whole meaning of the moth tattoo. You must know that moth tattoos are not super popular designs like butterfly tattoos but these design still have their appeal and fanbase. The major reason that people choose moth tattoos is due to their unique meanings. Commonly people consider that moth tattoos are chosen by men who want an opposing tattoo to butterfly tattoo on women.
Moth Tattoos Meanings
Your reason can be logical and here we are helping you to find your perfect moth tattoo design. But before we jump into the photo gallery let us brief you about a few unique meanings of moth tattoos –
Destroyer – This meaning can appeal a lot to goth culture. Butterflies are known for pollinating flowers whereas many moth species are infamous as a pest that can destroy crop fields or even forests.
Many people find this reason attractive enough to try a moth tattoo. This will signify that you consider yourself a destroyer too. You can call yourself a bad boy too.
Rejection – Moths are considered ugly. Many artists prefer butterflies for their art projects instead of Moths. We too often face rejection in life now and then. If you too have faced similar rejection or neglection then you can opt for moth tattoo designs
Change – As you might know that caterpillars larvae grow into moths but the process is not smooth. A moth larva goes through lots of change (and pain) too to emerge as a full-grown moth (or butterfly).
Your moth tattoo can symbolize the same where you want to indicate that you are working hard on yourself and one day you too will emerge as a better version of yourself.
Seeker – Moths have an uncontrollable attraction to light. You can use this fact in your tattoo design. If you are a believer in the afterlife then you can indicate that in your moth tattoo design. You can imply that you too are seeking the light at the end of the tunnel.
Moth Tattoos Placement
Do not try moth tattoo in large size. Many men and women love to have large size butterfly tattoos. But an experienced tattoo artist will always suggest that such designs look good if they are inked in small or medium size.
As moth tattoos don’t require much space therefore you can get them inked on any part of the body. The most popular choices for moth tattoos are arms and neck. Many love to try them on the back too as it is an indication that you always know what goes on behind your back.
Here we have chosen 160+ beautiful moth tattoo designs that can be tried by both men and women –
Moth Tattoo Ideas
Moth Tattoos for Women
Moth Tattoos Designs for Men
Conclusion
Your reason for choosing moth tattoos should be clear. You might spend a lot of time explaining to people that how it is not a butterfly tattoo but a moth design. We have chosen designs that can be easily distinguished as moth tattoos. You can share this on your Facebook feed or Pinterest board and ask your followers about this.
References: Moth Wiki
