Moths are often overshadowed by their flashier butterfly cousins. But if you take a closer look, you’ll see that moths are the ultimate blend of eerie allure, captivating patterns, and natural beauty.
I’ve been utterly fascinated by their chunky, furry bodies and intricate wing designs (patterns that often save their lives). This fascination inspired me to create a collection of realistic faux taxidermy moths, crafted entirely from paper.
Now, let’s meet the 15 most beautiful moths from around the world.
Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas)
The Atlas Moth is the giant of the group, With a wingspan of up to 12 inches, it’s one of the largest moths in the world. The markings on the upper corner of the wings bear an uncanny resemblance to cobra heads (in profile). In the bird-eat-bug world, a little ruse can mean the difference between life and death.
DIgital Template and Instructions
Spanish Moon Moth (Graellsia Isabellae)
The Spanish moon moth, also known as the stained glass moth, is often considered to the be most beautiful moth species found in Europe and is among the few species granted protected status. Its larvae feed exclusively on pine trees
DIgital Template and Instructions
Rosy Maple Moth (Dryocampa Rubicunda)
The rosy maple moth, found in North American, is the smallest of the silk moths. Its pink and yellow wings make it look like candy, and its fluffy little body gives off major cuddle vibes—if cuddling moths were a thing.
DIgital Template and Instructions
Death's head Hawk-moth (Acherontia Atropos)
The death's head hawk-moth gets its name from the skull-like mark on its thorax. And It is best known for its appearance in '90s horror classic The Silence of the Lambs, where it was found in the throats of murder victims.
DIgital Template and Instructions
Scarlet Tiger Moth (Callimorpha Dominula)
The scarlet tiger moth is found in most of Europe and in the Near East. Its caterpillars primarily feed on comfrey. It features cryptic coloring on its front wings for camouflage, but when threatened, it flashes its vivid red hind wings as a bold warning signal by quickly shifting its front wings forward. The bold red underwings make it a very Christmassy moth.
DIgital Template and Instructions
Madagascar Bullseye Moth (Antherina Suraka)
The Madagascar bullseye moth, is an endemic species to Madagascar and the Comoros islands. When startled, it can independently move its hindwings in a rocking motion, revealing striking eyespots to startle or deter predators from attacking.
DIgital Template and Instructions
Clown Face Moth (Idalus Herois)
The clown face moth is found in Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil. Yes, you read that right. This moth looks like it’s wearing a painted clown face, which is both hilarious and a little unsettling. Perfect for anyone who enjoys quirky with a side of creepy.
DIgital Template and Instructions
Hybrid Luna Moth
The hybrid luna moth or hybrid moon moth is a rare creation, born from the crossing of the Chinese luna moth (Actias dubernardi), and the Spanish luna moth (Graellsia isabellae). It gets delicate pink wing edges from the Chinese Luna Moth and the bold, dark patterns of the Spanish Luna Moth. A perfect blend of elegance and mystery!
DIgital Template and Instructions
Elephant Hawk-moth (Deilephila Elpenor)
The elephant hawk-moth gets its quirky name from its caterpillar, which looks amusingly like an elephant's trunk. As for the adult moth, it turns into a nice blend of olive green and bright pink. Found mostly in central Europe and the Palearctic region, it’s drawn to fragrant flowers like honeysuckle for nighttime feasts.
DIgital Template and Instructions
Oleander Hawk-moth (Daphnis Nerii)
The oleander hawk-moth, aka the army green hawk-moth, is a fascinating species. Its vivid green wings are adorned with intricate olive and cream patterns. As caterpillars, they feast on oleander leaves—an extremely toxic plant to most creatures, but one to which they are completely immune.
DIgital Template and Instructions
White-lined Sphinx Moth (Hyles lineata)
The white-lined sphinx moth,known as a hummingbird moth because of its ability to hover mid-air while sipping nectar with its long proboscis. It’s like a jet in the insect kingdom. Its sleek, streamlined design and racing-stripe wings give it a high-speed look, perfect for a creature that’s always on the move.
DIgital Template and Instructions
Luna Moth (Actias luna)
The Luna Moth or moon moth is the ethereal queen of the night. With its ghostly green wings and delicate tails, it’s the kind of beauty that feels almost otherworldly, like it belongs in a dream. Sadly, it lacks a mouth or a digestive system, living only about a week after leaving the cocoon.
DIgital Template and Instructions
Comet Moth (Argema mittrei)
The comet moth, also known as Madagascan moon moth, is one of the largest moth species in the world. Hailing from Madagascar, it is pure sunshine with wings. Its bright yellow hue and extra-long tails make it look like it’s perpetually flying into a sunset.
DIgital Template and Instructions
Picasso Moth (Baorisa hieroglyphica)
The Picasso moth, found in Northern India and Southeast Asia, has earned the title of “one of the world's most interesting insects,” according to Smithsonian Magazine. With its bold, artistic wing patterns, the Picasso Moth is like the moth version of modern art. It’s colorful, abstract, and guaranteed to turn heads (or wings).
DIgital Template and Instructions
Chinese Moon Moth (Actias sinensis)
The Chinese moon moth or Chinese luna moth, found in China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Myanmar, India and Thailand, showcases high levels of sexual dimorphism. Males dazzle with neon-pink and yellow wings and long, elegant tails, while females are slightly larger, adorned with pale white or green hues and two soft pink tails. Being prey to bats, the Chinese moth cleverly spins its wingtips to disorient the predator so much that it often makes a successful escape.
DIgital Template and Instructions
Why Paper
♥ Easy to Maintain
♥ Make as Many as You Want
♥ Cruelty-Free and Eco-Friendly
♥ Educational and Fun
Interested in paper faux taxidermy? Check out this moths collection
Creepy crafting!
