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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.
