If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent hours dreaming up your next tattoo. Well, let’s talk about a classic that never goes out of style: the butterfly.
I’m a big fan because they’re so versatile and meaningful, symbolizing everything from femininity to fresh starts.
I put together a list of some seriously stunning designs that will definitely get your own ideas flowing. Trust me, you’ll find a new favorite here!
1. Pretty Purple Butterfly
Source: @danha_tattoo
This tattoo is so pretty and it is definitely another one of my favorites. We have a delicate butterfly that is placed on the top of the arm near the shoulder.
I mean, how dainty are those wings in that stunning purple shade? It is such a gorgeous design and can be placed anywhere on your body.
I adore the color on this one; it just looks amazing on those delicate butterfly wings.
2. Stylish Rib Tattoo
Source: @renan.sampaio
Next up, I have a stunning rib tattoo to show you all. This one features a black ink butterfly. It is simpler than some of the others because it doesn’t have an intricate wing pattern.
A similar design would be great for someone who wants a more subtle tattoo.
You can choose any butterfly for your ink, but just be mindful that rib tattoos are said to be painful. I think it will be totally worth it!
3. Matching Half Butterfly Design
Are you looking for a totally unique tattoo design, or maybe you want a cool matching one? If so, this next idea could be perfect for you.
Here we have two people who have gotten half of a butterfly tattooed on their arms.
This is such an awesome idea because the half butterfly looks stylish, and when you are with the other person, the design can become whole.
These two have different butterflies, but you could choose to have the same one. This type of tattoo would be perfect for friends, family, or couples. You could also just have the half design as a solo tattoo too.
4. Beautiful Butterfly Arm Tattoo
Source: @lucasmilk
Next up, we have another butterfly with some really cool patterned wings. This one features large and elegant wings that are decorated with flowers and other botanical designs.
It is such a pretty tattoo that can be recreated, or you can choose your own unique wings.
A butterfly like this will suit everyone and can be tattooed on the arm like the picture, or you can try other placements. A smaller version on the ankle or wrist would look amazing.
5. Artistic and Creative Butterfly
Source: @yelizozcan_tattooer
Next, I have a very creative tattoo idea to share with you guys. Here we have a beautiful butterfly where half of it has a more realistic design and the other half is more artistic, like an illustration.
There is also some watercolor added to the tattoo as well. It’s a cool and stylish tattoo, and you can recreate this or choose different colors and butterfly wing patterns.
6. Cute Ankle Tattoo
Source: @renan.sampaio
Looking for a super cute tattoo? Then this one is for you! Here we have a butterfly ankle tattoo. It has a classic butterfly design and has been done in black ink.
Since the butterfly is on the ankle, it can be covered up or shown off, which makes it great for someone who wants a subtle piece. Try a tattoo like this or choose a butterfly with some bright color.
7. Delicate Butterfly Body Art
Source: @tattooist_ara
I am totally in love with this next tattoo. Here we have a dainty and delicate butterfly that has been tattooed on the arm.
This butterfly is one of my favorites because a different style of wings has been used compared to what we usually see. The light purple color is also stunning, and the overall tattoo just looks so magical.
8. Butterfly Upper Arm Tattoo
Source: @renan.sampaio
Upper arm tattoos look so trendy, and here is a great example. This butterfly has been tattooed on the back of the upper arm.
A tattoo like this is perfect for someone who loves the beauty and elegance of a butterfly but also wants a stylish edge. You can recreate this with any butterfly species.
9. Bold Butterfly
Source: @fabiobiofas
Do you like tattoos with bold colors? If so, you need to check out this next idea. Here we have an unusual and stylish tattoo design.
The actual butterfly itself is quite simple, but the colors really jazz up the design. It is very colorful and perfect for anyone who is looking for a unique and vibrant tattoo.
10. Statement Making Body Art
Source: @vane.tattoo_
Looking for a statement-making piece of body art? If so, this could be perfect! Here we have an upper arm tattoo that features lots of different butterflies and flowers.
It is such a pretty and bold idea. You can recreate this or take the pattern all the way down the arm for a full sleeve look.
11. Butterfly with Rose Wings
Source: @lucasmilk
When choosing a butterfly tattoo, you can go for something realistic or you can try something more unique. Here is a great example of a butterfly that uses a creative design.
This one features a body and wings like a real butterfly, but it has a floral pattern on the wings. There are roses, leaves, and more.
Try a stylish butterfly like this or create your own one-of-a-kind design.
12. Cute, Small Butterfly Tattoo
Source: @renan.sampaio
If you are looking for a super cute tattoo, then this idea is for you. This is a small design that has been tattooed on the arm.
It is a stylish piece of body art that has a classic butterfly design. You can have a butterfly like this tattooed anywhere. For a bolder tattoo, you can add some color too.
13. Trendy Butterfly Tattoo
Source: @truelovetattooperuibe
The next tattoo is so trendy and unique. This is a back tattoo with a classic butterfly. Behind the butterfly, there is also a leafy design and a stylish shape.
The leaves and geometric design create a more quirky and unusual butterfly. Try a similar tattoo or add some color for a bolder look.
14. Vibrant Butterfly Idea
One of the reasons why people love butterflies is because of their vibrant wings and patterns. If this is why you like them, then maybe you should consider a tattoo like this one.
Here we have a stunning butterfly with black, blue, and pink wings. It captures the beauty and brightness of a butterfly perfectly. Recreate this or you can choose different colors for the wings.
15. Simple Butterfly Idea
If you are looking for a more simple and small tattoo, then you need to check out this design. Here we have a tiny black ink butterfly that is tattooed just above the wrist.
It is a pretty and minimal design that will suit everyone. A butterfly like this would be perfect as a first tattoo.
16. Delicate and Colorful Butterfly Tattoo
Source: @nastyafox
I would like to begin with this beautiful butterfly. This butterfly is tattooed on the ribs and features light and delicate lines with stunning pink shading.
It is an amazing piece of body art, and something like this will suit everyone. You can recreate this with any color palette, but try to keep a similar design for an elegant and graceful butterfly.
17. Unique Rose Design with Butterfly Wings
Source: @sureshmachutattoos
I absolutely love this next tattoo! Here we have a large tattoo that features a stunning pink rose. The rose is just gorgeous, and the pink shade is so vivid and bright.
Not all the petals are pink, though; some have a butterfly wing pattern! It is such a unique idea to have butterfly wings as some of the petals, and it looks amazing.
If you want a tattoo that makes you stand out from the crowd, then this is it.
18. Butterfly with a Floral Wing
Source: @jherellejaytattoo
My next idea features another butterfly with a floral wing. This tattoo is black ink and very detailed.
One side of the butterfly looks realistic, and the other features a beautiful floral design as a wing. It is a unique and stylish idea. Recreate this or you can use different flowers.
19. Two Butterflies
Source: @americandebbie
Instead of one butterfly, why not try two?! Here is a pretty tattoo that features two butterflies. Both have the same purple wings, and one looks a little smaller than the other.
A tattoo like this is great for someone who loves butterflies. Multiple butterflies can also represent other things like family members.
Maybe have a butterfly for each member of your family or something meaningful like that.
20. Small Finger Tattoo
Source: @pureum_tattoo
Maybe you are looking for a smaller tattoo? If so, this is for you. This tattoo features a small blue butterfly that has been tattooed on the finger. It is such a cute and pretty design idea.
This is a tiny tattoo, but it will make a statement because of where it is placed. Recreate the blue butterfly or you can try any colored butterfly on the finger.
21. Magical Butterfly
Source: @abrahaoana
My next tattoo idea features a magical butterfly. The butterfly is delicately tattooed and has two sets of wings with different patterns.
It is an unusual tattoo, and it looks like something you would see in an enchanted forest. A tattoo like this can be placed anywhere and will suit everyone. It would look amazing with a little color too.
22. Pretty Leg Tattoo Idea
Source: @anais_chabane
Next, I have another pretty leg tattoo to show you. This one features a patterned butterfly that is tattooed just below the knee.
It is an elegant and beautiful butterfly, but the unique placement gives the tattoo an edge. This is a statement-making piece of body art.
Recreate this or you can add more butterflies going up the thigh.
23. Beautiful Blue Butterfly
Morpho butterflies are known for their beautiful blue color, and this next tattoo has been inspired by this.
This wrist tattoo features a small butterfly that looks like a Morpho butterfly and has that vibrant blue color. It is a gorgeous tattoo and will look amazing on anyone.
Recreate the wrist tattoo or you can try a similar butterfly elsewhere; the ankle would look gorgeous.
24. Beautiful Red Butterflies and Roses
Source: @song.e_tattoo
If you are looking for a pretty and colorful tattoo, then this is for you. Here we have a small collarbone tattoo that features red roses and two red butterflies.
I love this unusual design because the red is so striking and beautiful. Try a similar design or choose your favorite flower instead of the rose.
You can also color-match the butterfly to the flower. So, if it was a sunflower, the butterfly would be yellow.
25. Pretty Pink Butterfly
Source: @blackshadowtat2
Next, I have a pretty pink butterfly tattoo to show you. This butterfly is tattooed on the arm and has a striking black and pink design on the wings.
It is a bold and beautiful tattoo that will suit everyone. Recreate this pink butterfly or you can try a different shade of pink. You can also try a different pink pattern on the wings.
26. Decorative Design
Source: @lisablacksails
Next, we have a beautiful and decorative tattoo. This tattoo features a patterned butterfly with a jewelry design.
It is such an ornate and unique tattoo, and it will definitely make you stand out from the crowd. You can recreate this or try a different pattern; the design possibilities are endless.
Make it even more unique by adding some color too.
27. Butterfly with Roses
Source: @castro_ink09
The next tattoo has another rose and butterfly theme. This design features a pretty black ink butterfly, and one of the wings is made of two roses.
It is such a beautiful and unique idea. You can recreate the rose look with any color rose. Or you can use any type of flower for this design. A butterfly like this can be placed anywhere.
28. Double Butterflies
Source: @tattoo_atelier_koniecki
If you want body art that stands out from the crowd, then this idea is perfect for you. Here we have two ankle tattoos with a butterfly design.
Both butterflies are different, which creates a bold and trendy look. You can recreate tattoos like these or you can try one tattoo. Either way, the butterflies will look super cool.
29. Butterfly and Moon
Source: @renan.sampaio
My next tattoo idea features a butterfly and a moon. A butterfly can symbolize transformation, and a moon can represent creativity and growth.
So, not only do the two designs look amazing together, but they also have an empowering meaning.
A tattoo like this is perfect for someone who loves nature or wants a pretty piece of body art with a positive message.
30. Three Butterflies
You don’t have to choose just one butterfly; you can have as many as you like tattooed. Here we have a stylish tattoo design that features three butterflies.
Each butterfly has a different pattern, and they have been tattooed on the arm. It is a cool and statement-making tattoo idea.
Recreate this or you can try three different butterflies; you can also add color too.
31. Dainty and Pretty Design
Source: @wonhae_tattoo
The next tattoo is so pretty and dainty! This design is placed on the arm and features a blue rose, a yellow flower, and two butterflies.
I love the colors and the tattoo technique. All the lines and colors are soft, which creates an elegant and delicate tattoo. A design like this can be placed elsewhere, such as the leg or back.
32. Rose and Butterfly Tattoo
Source: @renan.sampaio
My next tattoo is another one with a floral design. Here we have a beautiful butterfly with two roses, one on each wing.
It is a gorgeous tattoo that is perfect for someone who wants a pretty and feminine piece of body art. Try a design like this or add in your favorite flowers instead of the roses.
33. Butterfly with Tribal Wings
Source: @polynesian_tatto0
Do you love the more unique butterflies? If so, you need to see this. This tattoo features a beautiful black ink butterfly on the arm.
Instead of delicate patterns and colors, these butterfly wings are decorated with tribal patterns. It is a gorgeous idea, and this type of pattern looks amazing as wings.
Recreate this or try a different pattern on the wings.
34. Floral Butterfly
Source: @renan.sampaio
Flowers and butterflies are both very popular tattoo designs. The next tattoo I have to show you combines the two!
Here we have a butterfly where one wing is realistic and the other has a gorgeous floral design. I love this tattoo because the floral wing is unique and beautiful.
You can use any flowers for the wing, and you can even add some color too.
35. Unique Floral Butterfly
Next, I have a very unique tattoo idea. Here we have a flower stem, but there is not a flower head at the top; there is a butterfly instead.
It is a very unusual idea, and it is perfect for those who like quirky tattoos. You can recreate this or you could add some color. A tattoo like this will be best suited to the arm or leg.
36. Bold Butterfly Tattoo Idea
Source: @renan.sampaio
Butterflies are so versatile and can be added to any other design. This butterfly has been tattooed with lots of different patterns.
As you can see, the combination creates a bold and unique tattoo. You can put a butterfly with any other design, from mandalas to botanical patterns. Experiment and create a tattoo that is one of a kind.
37. Patterned Butterfly Design
Source: @madam_tattooer
Next, I have a unique butterfly to show you. This larger design is placed on the back of the neck and features a black ink butterfly.
I love this because the butterfly wings have beautiful patterns. The patterns are created with different shapes and line thicknesses.
It is such an unusual and pretty design that will look amazing on everyone.
38. Quote and Butterfly
Source: @renan.sampaio
Make your butterfly tattoo unique to you by adding a quote. The beautiful tattoo below features a butterfly with a quote above.
You can create a tattoo with any quote and any butterfly. A design like this would be perfect for a memorial, to represent family and friends, or it is just a gorgeous way to wear your favorite quote.
39. Unique Butterfly and Elephant Design
Source: @lucasmilk
This next tattoo is another quirky one. The design features an elephant with a large butterfly sitting on its back.
I haven’t seen a tattoo like this before, and it looks so unique. A tattoo like this is perfect for those who love animals. Recreate something similar or choose a different animal to pair with the butterfly.
40. Edgy Hand Tattoo Idea
Source: @renan.sampaio
Hand tattoos are edgy and trendy, and I have an awesome butterfly design to show you. This butterfly has been tattooed on the back of the hand and features a gorgeous pattern on the wings.
It looks like a Swallowtail butterfly, but you can choose any species. This is a bold design that is perfect for anyone who wants a statement-making tattoo.
41. Pretty Butterfly Design
Source: @abrahaoana
Back tattoos are a popular choice, and with designs like this, it is no surprise! Here we have a stunning butterfly back tattoo.
It is beautifully patterned and has delicate and stylish jewelry charms too. This is a very pretty tattoo. You could recreate something similar or choose your own patterns for the wings.
42. Watercolor Butterfly
Source: @javiwolfink
The next butterfly design I have to show you is vibrant and elegant. It is a small butterfly tattoo and has been colored with the watercolor technique.
I love the colors used, as it just makes the tattoo look so pretty and bright. The watercolors capture the beauty of a real butterfly too.
This is a cute tattoo that will suit anyone. It can be placed anywhere on the body too.
43. Two Small Butterflies
Source: @tattooist_yuwon
If you love the two-butterfly designs, then you need to see this one too. Here we have another version. So, this time we have two small butterflies on the lower arm.
It is a cute and simple idea that will suit everyone. You can recreate the arm tattoo or put the butterflies elsewhere, such as the ankle, leg, or even the back.
44. Butterfly Wings and Flower
Source: @tattoomink
My next tattoo is unusual and is perfect for anyone who wants a design different from the rest. Here we have butterfly wings with a flower in the center, and it does not have a butterfly body.
I love this design because it gives you the beauty of butterflies and flowers but in a trendy and unique way.
You can recreate this or try patterned wings. Any flower can be used, and you can add color too.
45. Bright Butterfly Design
Next, I have another bright butterfly tattoo design to show you. Here we have a vibrant butterfly, and it is super cute and stylish.
I love this one because the butterfly has shading underneath, so it looks 3D and like it has landed on the skin. This is a gorgeous design that will suit anyone.
46. Large Back Tattoo with a Butterfly
Source: @abrahaoana
If you want a bold piece of body art, then you need to see this next tattoo. Here we have a large back tattoo with a quote and a big blue butterfly on the shoulder.
The butterfly looks stunning, and it really makes a statement. You can recreate the butterfly with a quote of your choice, or you can just choose to have the butterfly.
47. Butterfly Back of the Neck Tattoo
Source: @trinatatuaje
Next, I have another back-of-the-neck tattoo. This one is a classic butterfly, and the wings have the beautiful patterns that butterflies are known for. It is a pretty and easy-to-wear tattoo.
This is also great for those who want a tattoo that can be covered up or shown off when they choose. Try something similar, or for a more statement-making tattoo, you can add color to the wings.
48. Artistic Watercolor Butterfly
Source: @dopeindulgence
If you are looking for a colorful butterfly tattoo, then you need to check out my next idea. Here we have a watercolor butterfly tattoo.
It is half a butterfly, like it is flying, and features beautiful bright colors, including red. The watercolor technique complements this design perfectly and makes it look like an artist’s illustration.
You can recreate a similar butterfly with any colors, and you can choose a full butterfly design too.
49. Watercolor Floral Butterfly
Source: @javiwolfink
Next, I have another stunning watercolor butterfly tattoo. One side of the butterfly is a beautiful blue color, and the other side has a stunning flower design.
A tattoo like this will suit everyone, and a similar design could be recreated in any color and with any flowers. It is a pretty and delicate design that can be placed anywhere on the body.
50. Mystical Blue Butterfly
Source: @breathingrooms
Give your tattoo a magical vibe with a design like this. Here we have a large blue butterfly decorated with stars, the sun, and the moon.
The color is gorgeous, and the celestial designs give the butterfly a mystical vibe. This statement-making piece can be tattooed anywhere.
Try the blue version or a different color. Purple would look amazing.
51. Butterfly with Unique Wings
Source: @lucasmilk
Next, I have a very quirky butterfly design. Here we have a black ink butterfly with patterned wings. The wings are decorated with flowers, patterns, and eyes.
The eyes are very unique and create a one-of-a-kind tattoo. Take inspiration from this and recreate something similar, or create your own patterned wings.
You can add anything you like, from flowers to geometric shapes.
52. Bright Floral Butterfly Tattoo
Source: @mercuri_michele
Do you love the tattoos where the butterfly has a floral wing? If so, you need to check out this next design. This is a brighter and more colorful version.
One side of the butterfly is more realistic and has an elegant grey, white, and black color palette. The other wing on the butterfly features delicate and pretty flowers.
This is a stunning butterfly tattoo that will suit everyone.
53. Butterfly Back Tattoo
Source: @anna_bravo_
The next idea I have to show you is a butterfly back tattoo. This design features a delicate and simple black ink butterfly. It is a beautiful piece of body art that will suit anyone.
You can recreate this or you can choose any butterfly species and add some color too. Back tattoos are also great for those who need a tattoo that can be covered up when needed.
54. Small Shoulder Tattoo
Source: @tattooer_sawori
Next, I have a small shoulder tattoo. This one features two small butterflies. It is a cute and pretty design that will suit everyone.
This is perfect as a first-time tattoo or for someone who wants something more subtle. Recreate this or you can have one butterfly instead of two. For a bolder piece of body art, you can add a pop of color.
55. Matching Butterfly Tattoos
Source: @renan.sampaio
Matching tattoos have become very popular. So, if you want to get a matching design with a friend or loved one, then this could be perfect.
These tattoos have been put in the same place on the arm. The tattoos are the same and feature a butterfly with one floral wing.
It is a stunning tattoo design, and it will look great matching and individually.
56. Stunning Rib Tattoo
Source: @lucasmilk
Earlier in the post, I shared a butterfly rib tattoo. If you loved that idea, then take a look at this one too. Here we have a delicate and pretty butterfly that is tattooed on the ribs.
This one has no bright colors, just black, and it looks amazing. A tattoo like this will look great on everyone and is timeless, so it will never go out of style.
57. Delicate Butterfly Arm Tattoo
Source: @mercuri_michele
Earlier in the post, I shared a tattoo with three butterflies. If you liked that idea, then you should have a look at this next tattoo too.
This design is larger and is placed on the upper arm. It features three very delicate butterflies, and each one is a different color.
I love this pretty tattoo; you can recreate it or try the butterflies in different colors.
58. Unique Butterfly Tattoo
Source: @robcarvalhoart
A butterfly has unique patterns on its wings, and these have often been compared to eyes. The eye pattern is thought to scare off predators in the wild.
This next tattoo features a creative and artistic version of this design. Here we have a bright butterfly with closed human eyes instead of the classic eye pattern.
There is also an eye above the butterfly, which gives the tattoo a spiritual look. This is a cool tattoo, and it is perfect for those who like unusual body art.
59. Romantic Butterfly
Source: @jay_bury_tattooartist
The next tattoo I have to show you is so pretty and unique. This design features an elegant black ink butterfly.
The wings have a delicate pattern with beautiful hearts too. It is an unusual and romantic butterfly design. A butterfly like this would be perfect for a couple’s tattoo.
We hope you have found a beautiful butterfly tattoo to try!