Motif
Insects tattoos in Japan
Insect tattoos are a collection of designs featuring butterflies, spiders, scorpions, bees, and more. Designs often utilize their symmetrical shapes, appearing on the chest, neck, or back of the hand. They range from realistic depictions to simple line art.
395 works on tattooers.jp
Visiting Japan? We'll match you with an artist for insects tattoos.
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Artists with the most insects work
Questions
Are butterflies the most common insect tattoo?
According to designs listed on tattooers.jp (as of October 25, 2026), butterflies are the most common with 216 designs, followed by spiders with 41, scorpions with 15, and bees with 8. You can view only butterfly designs on the butterfly page.
What styles are common for insect tattoos?
There are realistic designs depicting intricate patterns on wings and legs, as well as those done in blackwork, fineline, or dotwork styles. Butterfly designs are also often combined with flowers or arranged in scattered compositions.
What should I consider when getting a spider or scorpion tattoo?
The required size changes depending on how the legs are spread, so deciding on the orientation beforehand will help with the consultation. For spiders, the impression also changes depending on whether a web is included. Visiting Japan? Send us your idea and dates through our booking form, and we'll match you with an artist whose work fits.