![Top 63 Best Monarch Butterfly Tattoo Ideas – [2022 Inspiration Guide]](https://nextluxury.com/wp-content/uploads/Back-Monarch-Butterfly-Tattoo-kaleijawstattoos-1.jpg)
Top 63 Best Monarch Butterfly Tattoo Ideas – [2022 Inspiration Guide]
Monarch butterflies are arguably the most popular insect tattoos for men and women, whether inked in color, black and gray, or simple lines.
They echo other butterfly designs in meaning freedom, beauty, and transformation; they also suit frequent travellers and those with an affinity for realistic design.
The Monarch, as the name suggests, is often associated with royalty, and is symbolic of souls returning during Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican Day of the Dead.
The following collection of top 73 best monarch tattoo ideas showcase a range of design ideas that your tattooist can use as inspiration to draw up your next killer piece of body art.
1. Monarch Butterfly Back Tattoos

Source: @alexinkcuba via Instagram

Source: @billysarno via Instagram

Source: @kaleijawstattoos via Instagram

Source: @nanetattoo via Instagram

Source: @taradactltattoo via Instagram

Source: @theyogiandthedragonfly via Instagram

Source: @tinta_machete via Instagram

Source: @villustrated via Instagram
2. Ankle and Lower Leg Monarch Butterfly Tattoo Ideas

Source: @bambi.tattoos via Instagram

Source: @bkuhltattoos via Instagram

Source: @kittenbytes via Instagram

Source: @lozzarachtattooer via Instagram

Source: @robertoguerreroart via Instagram

Source: @rudy_tattoos_ via Instagram

Source: @tattootribe via Instagram

Source: @tiarne.hook_ via Instagram
3. Black and Gray Monarch Butterfly Tattoo Ideas

Source: @amystattoos via Instagram

Source: @artkaylarose via Instagram

Source: @gracietattoos via Instagram

Source: @justotattoos via Instagram

Source: @martinkellytattoo via Instagram

Source: @melbootstattoo via Instagram

Source: @tattooingbyap via Instagram
4. Monarch Butterfly Forearm Tattoo Ideas

Source: @boldtgym via Instagram

Source: @hornedqueen_ink via Instagram

Source: @madimargs via Instagram

Source: @mat_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @minnietattooart via Instagram

Source: @virginiamarting via Instagram
5. Realistic Monarch Butterfly Tattoo Art

Source: @paulhenrytattoo via Instagram

Source: @audreymello1 via Instagram

Source: @paulhenrytattoo via Instagram

Source: @sarahink via Instagram

Source: @tattoosbyeddieparsley via Instagram

Source: @wesmartin82 via Instagram
6. Rib and Side Monarch Butterfly Tattoo Ideas

Source: @brennanwalkertattoo via Instagram

Source: @electricink09 via Instagram

Source: @rama_fisson via Instagram
6. Monarch Butterfly Shoulder Tattoos

Source: @1eleventattoo via Instagram

Source: @hillmaninktattoos via Instagram

Source: @house_of_owls_art via Instagram

Source: @jcarlos_duenas via Instagram

Source: @liathetattooer via Instagram

Source: @nedtattoos via Instagram

Source: @stefanotattooist via Instagram

Source: @tom_pru_tattoo via Instagram
8. Small Monarch Butterfly Tattoo Ideas

Source: @ironiketattoos via Instagram

Source: @merpied via Instagram

Source: @ms.j_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @parisjoelletattoos via Instagram
9. Upper Arm Monarch Butterfly Ink

Source: @black_pig_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @casper.corduroy via Instagram

Source: @man_made_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @rehtser via Instagram

Source: @rudo_tattoo via Instagram

Source: @vladninjamonkey via Instagram

Source: @watchtowertattooco via Instagram
Source: @jessimummbles via Instagram
10. Monarch Butterfly Tattoos for the Wrist

Source: @alexivantattoos via Instagram

Source: @amyshawtattoo via Instagram

Source: @bxnloquito via Instagram

Source: @ghost_tats via Instagram

Source: @gordienumber9 via Instagram

Source: @johnnybee_art via Instagram
Monarch Butterfly Tattoo FAQs
The Monarch butterfly symbolizes freedom, beauty, and transformation, which is in line with the general depiction of butterfly tattoos.
They do have an extra layer or two of symbolism, being connected to the Mexican day of the dead – where they are associated with the souls of the departed returning to meet with their family..
As the name suggests, the monarch butterfly is an insect often connected with ideas of royalty and prestige.
Monarch butterfly tattoos also suit frequent travelers and those with an affinity for realistic design concepts, due to their vivid color and expansive migratory practices.
The most popular places for butterfly tattoos are on the chest, neck, lower back or shoulder, although Contemporary tattoo placements where you’ll often see a monarch resting or on the wing include:
- Behind the ear
- At the top of the shoulder
- On the wrist and forearm
- The hands and fingers
- The foot and ankle
They are also popular for visible tattoos due to their associations with beauty and positivity.
Despite the fact collectors choose an actual – rather than heavily stylized – species of butterfly, the Monarch shows great design versatility.
It’s popular for realistic tattoos and 3D body art, where the ink can make it look like the butterfly is resting on or hovering above your skin.
You may want to personalize your butterfly tattoo in some way that uniquely represents you, through the addition of flowers, script, or other supporting imagery
Some individuals add symbols that uniquely bring out personality, such as zodiac sign, initials, or favorite musical symbols.
There’s a wide range of pricing to consider when choosing a monarch butterfly tattoo.
Small, simple designs can cost as little as $100-$150 when etched quickly with only black ink.
With many seasoned professional artists charging $150-200 per hour, you’ll likely pay in the region of $300 (black and gray shaded) to $500 (flat color) for a mid-sized monarch butterfly tattoo, before tips.
For complex monarch tattoos utilizing precision techniques or a broader color palette, the price could reach $1000 before tips.