Death Moth Tattoo Design Ideas With Meanings

Want a Death Moth Tattoo? Do you love bugs? The following selection of popular Death Moth Tattoos ideas is for you.

You know a Acherontia atropos—better known as Death’s-head hawkmoth—once you see it. The name refers to one of three species of moths that each have the easily distinguishable human skull-shaped marking on their thorax.

The unusual patterning has both intrigued and frightened people. Long ago, its ominous marking was considered a bad omen; entomologist Moses Harris wrote in 1840 that the moth, “It is regarded not as the creation of a benevolent being, but the device of evil spirits—spirits enemies to man—conceived and fabricated in the dark, and the very shining of its eyes is thought to represent the fiery element whence it is supposed to have proceeded. Flying into their apartments in the evening at times it extinguishes the light; foretelling war, pestilence, hunger, death to man and beast.” This wasn’t helped by the fact these moths make a loud squeak when irritated or disturbed.

The Death’s-head hawkmoth appears in pop culture. They’re mentioned in the Bram Stoker’s 1897 classic “Dracula,” in which the main vampire sends them to his servant, Renfield. And in Thomas Harris’ novel “The Silence of the Lambs,” Buffalo Bill placed the pupae in his victims’ throats.

From books and movies, the Achertontia atropos regularly shows up in tattoos. (And temporary tattoos, too.) Here are 10 contemporary interpretations of the unforgettable creature. They might vary in style, but one thing you’ll always see is that eerie skull.