
70 Cicada Tattoo Ideas
Cicada tattoos often represent change and transformation or experiencing symbolic rebirth after a time of great change and upheaval.
The following collection of cicada tattoos showcase some breathtakingly detailed insects in a range of styles you can use when planning your next tattoo.
1. Delicate Cicada Tattoos





2. Upper Arm Cicada Tattoo Ideas





3. Cicada Tattoo Designs for the Shoulder and Back





4. Heavy Blackwork Cicada Tattoos



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5. Black and Gray Cicada Tattoos







6. Cicada Tattoo Ideas for the Chest









7. Colorful Cicada Tattoo Ideas







8. Dotwork and Technical Cicada Tattoos











9. Cicada Tattoo Art for the Forearm






10. Hand and Wrist Cicada Tattoos

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11. Lower Leg and Thigh Cicada Tattoo Art








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More about cicada tattoos
In tattoo, the cicada is considered a good luck symbol of change and transformation, which is different to insects such as the death’s head moth (more because of how it looks).
Other symbolic meanings associate the cicada with longevity, as the creature’s lengthy hibernation means its’ the longest living insect.
The diaphanous wings of the cicada work beautifully in delicate designs such as linework, fine line black and gray or single needle tattoos.
The cicadas’ interesting body construction means their wings may be an ideal ‘soft’ counterpoint to heavy duty black tattoos, or designs incorporating biology textbook style realism.
Unlike other insects such as moths and butterflies who complete a full metamorphosis, Cicadas change from one fully formed state to another without undergoing a pupal phase.
Famed for its song, the cicada has a long association with literature that goes back to Homer’s Iliad, along with art from the Shang Period of China 1700-2200 BC.
Cicada Tattoo FAQs
Cicada tattoos often represent change and transformation or experiencing symbolic rebirth after a time of great change and upheaval.
Other symbolic meanings associate the cicada with longevity, as the creature’s lengthy hibernation means its’ the longest living insect.
For large expressions involving detailed cicada designs, tattoo s on the forearm or bicep are simple, easy to execute designs, as are those on the thigh.
For something a little more daring, a collector could look for a design incorporating the sternum or upper chest, or look at delivering a visible tattoo on the wrist or hand.
Other popular tattoo designs for insects involving symbolic change and rebirth include:
- Butterflies
- Dragonflies
- The Tiger Moth
- Death’s Head Moth
- Luna Moth
- Scarab Beetles