The reference photo and this stencil are AI-generated examples made for this library — not a client photo, and not InkLine output.
Free printable stencil · Butterflies & insects
Luna moth tattoo stencil
This luna moth tattoo stencil is a luna moth seen from directly above with its wings spread flat: feathered antennae, a furry body, a curled eyespot on each forewing, small ring spots on the hindwings and two long tails that twist toward the bottom of the frame. It is symmetrical, drawn in clean outlines with fine veins, and suits the chest, back or thigh.
Print it at true size
Type the width you want on skin and print. In the print dialog choose 100 % or “Actual size” — “Fit to page” rescales it.
Bigger than one sheet? Split it across pages with the free stencil tiler
Free to print and tattoo, for yourself or your clients. Can I use these stencils?
What to trace, what to simplify
Symmetry carries this design: transfer the body and both wing outlines exactly, working out from the center line of the body, and check that the two tails end at the same height. The thick leading edge of each forewing and the curled eyespots come next — they are what make it a luna moth. The fine veins on the wings are shading guides, and the tufted edge of the body is texture. The comb on the feathered antennae is the finest detail: below about 10 cm (4 in) wide, draw each antenna as a narrow leaf shape and drop the veins.
Size and placement
The moth is slightly wider than it is tall. At 12–18 cm (5–7 in) wide it fits the center of the chest, the upper back between the shoulder blades or the front of the thigh, with the body on the center line. Under 9 cm (3.5 in), keep the outlines, eyespots and tails, draw the antennae as solid shapes and leave the wings open or lightly shaded.
From print to skin
Print
Thermal stencil paper through a stencil printer, or plain paper you trace onto hectograph paper by hand.
Prep the skin
Clean, shave and dry the area, then apply a thin, even coat of stencil transfer solution.
Transfer
Press the stencil flat, hold it for a few seconds, and peel it off in one move. Let it dry before you start.
Frequently asked questions
What makes this a moth rather than a butterfly in the linework?
The feathered antennae, the furry body and the long tails on the hindwings. A butterfly has thin antennae with a small club at the tip and a slimmer body. Keep the comb on the antennae and the fur edge on the body as drawn, or the design starts to read as a swallowtail butterfly.
Can I shorten the luna moth’s tails to fit a smaller space?
Yes, but shorten them rather than cut them off — the long tails are what identify a luna moth. Take the length out of the straight middle section and keep the twist and the curled tip at the end. Shorten both by the same amount, measured from the body, so the moth stays symmetrical.
