A Guide to Spider Tattoos: Symbolism, Design & Placement

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Everything you need to know about the meaning of spider tattoos

Co-authored by Raven Minyard, BA Reviewed by Stina Garbis

Last Updated: April 4, 2025 Fact Checked

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Spider Tattoo Meanings

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Historical & Cultural Meanings

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Design Ideas

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Placement Ideas

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Tips

Just as people have mixed feelings about spiders, spider tattoos can symbolize many different things. Often, they represent resilience, protection, and transformation, though they’re also associated with death and danger. In this article, we’ll explain the meanings, cultural associations, the best designs to choose from, and even the best placements for a spider tattoo.

What do spider tattoos mean?

Spider tattoos often symbolize transformation, growth, and resilience. Because of their intricate webs, they also represent creativity and artistic expression, and they’re sometimes associated with fate and destiny. Spider tattoos can also represent power, mystery, and protection, as well as death and danger.

Section 1 of 4:

Spider Tattoo Meanings

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Because spiders weave intricate webs and resiliently rebuild them if they’re torn down, spider tattoos have come to represent personal growth and determination. You might get one if you’ve faced tough challenges and come out stronger. These tattoos are a reminder that you weave the narrative of your life.^{[1]
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If you’ve ever looked at a spider web up close, you’ve seen just how detailed and diverse they are. Because these webs are so beautiful, spider tattoos often symbolize creativity. You may get one if you’re an artist, a storyteller, or have an appreciation for natural beauty.

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Spiders use their venom to protect themselves from predators, and in some cultures, they’re believed to guard against evil spirits. Getting a spider tattoo may serve as a talisman against physical or spiritual harm, or it can be a symbol that you’re the protector of yourself and your loved ones.^{[2]
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Spiders can be mysterious creatures that often evoke feelings of fear, unease, and awe. A spider tattoo can be a symbol of hidden strength, power, and the unknown. Choose one if you want to seem mysterious or intimidating, as a reminder of your inner strength, or to show that you’re not afraid of the unknown.^{[3]
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Fate and destiny In various myths from different cultures, spiders weave the web of fate. Getting a spider tattoo could symbolize your belief and acceptance of your fate, or it could represent the belief that you create your own destiny.^{[4]
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- Similarly, some connect spiders to the idea of infinity because they have so many legs.
Spiders shed their exoskeleton and molt as they grow, and they also transform their silk into extravagant webs. A spider tattoo can represent personal transformation, especially if you’ve had to adapt to difficult situations and become a whole new version of yourself. They can also symbolize your journey to self-discovery.
Almost all spiders are venomous, so they’re often associated with danger. If you’ve lived a dangerous lifestyle, have overcome death or survived a deadly situation, or simply want an edgy design, a spider tattoo may be right for you. This design can warn others to approach with caution.^{[5]
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Harmony and balance Spiders can balance on delicate webs and climb almost any surface. Because of this, you may get a spider tattoo if you’re trying to find balance and harmony in your own life or to signify that you feel at peace with yourself.
- Some believe spiders can also represent the sun because their webs expand outward, like the sun’s rays.

Section 2 of 4:

Historical and Cultural Meanings of Spider Tattoos

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Spiders are associated with the Upanishads, an Indian book of wisdom and philosophy, because they create and distribute wisdom through their complex webs. They’re also associated with the Hindu concept of Maya, which means “illusion,” because of the deceptive way they weave. Someone may get a spider tattoo to connect with their spiritual and philosophical beliefs.^{[6]
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In some Native American lore, the spider weaves the web of fate. Many Southwestern tribes also tell tales of Grandmother Spider, who connects the spirit of nature with creation and wisdom. Someone from these cultures may get a spider tattoo as a symbol of spiritual guidance.^{[7]
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In some African myths, the spider is depicted as a trickster, but more commonly, it represents artistry. As the spider weaves its web, it also weaves intricate tales into the silk. It is also associated with Anansi, the spider god who taught humans how to weave. Someone might get a spider tattoo to honor these myths, especially if they enjoy telling stories themselves.^{[8]
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In Greek mythology, spiders are associated with challenge. In the myth of Arachne, Arachne is an incredibly skilled weaver who decides to challenge the goddess Athena to a weaving contest. When Athena sees how perfect her opponent’s tapestry is, she destroys it in a fit of rage and turns Arachne into a spider. Because of this, spiders symbolize skill, challenge, and transformation.^{[9]
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- Someone might get a spider tattoo if they like this myth or if they’ve gone through a challenge to prove their skills.
- Spiders are also associated with deities from other cultures, as well, including Neith, the Egyptian weaver goddess, and Cailleach, the Celtic spider goddess.

Section 3 of 4:

Spider Tattoo Design Ideas

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Get a realistic spider tattoo if you admire how intricate spiders are. A realistic tattoo can capture the details of the spider’s legs and eyes. The use of shadows can make it seem like a spider is actually crawling on you! A realistic tattoo is great for those who have a love for nature or want to prove that spiders aren’t as scary as they may seem.

Jonathan “JONBOY” Valena, Celebrity Tattoo Artist

Tattoos can signify a meaningful moment in time. "Each one of my tattoos has some kind of meaning or even just like a memory of where I was in life."
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Tribal spider If you’re of Polynesian descent, getting a tribal spider tattoo can connect you to your heritage. Tribal designs can be very intricate, and their bold lines are sure to catch attention. A tribal spider is also a good idea if you want a design that’s a bit more abstract.^{[10]
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- If you aren’t Polynesian, do your research before committing to a tribal tattoo, as it could be considered cultural appropriation in some cases.
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Black widow While anyone can get a black widow tattoo regardless of gender, this design may hold special meaning if you’re a woman. Because female black widows are very venomous and known to eat males after mating, they often symbolize strength, power, and independence for women. They represent femininity and resilience, and you may choose to get a black widow tattoo to symbolize survival if you’ve gone through a difficult time.
- A black widow tattoo could also represent the Marvel character Black Widow.
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Spider with spider web Spider webs are delicate and intricate, and when tattooed, they can represent the cycle of life, death, and fate. For many Native Americans, spider webs represent dreamcatchers and the Spider Woman, who weaves protective webs over the cradles of newborns to keep them safe from harm. However, spider web tattoos also have negative connotations associated with prison and white supremacy.^{[11]
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- Spider web tattoos on the elbow, neck, back, hand, fingers, or behind the ears have traditionally been associated with racism and white supremacy, gangs, incarceration, and crime.
- Even if you avoid these areas, it’s still possible people may negatively stereotype you. You may not be associated with these things, but others have no way of knowing that. Make sure this is something you’re okay with before getting the tattoo.
- To make a spider web tattoo your own, incorporate other symbols like roses, flowers, or butterflies so the focus isn’t on the web itself.
If you’re looking for a spider tattoo design that’s a bit more feminine, try pairing the spider with a spider lily for an elegant look. Additionally, spider lilies represent loss and longing in many cultures, so this design could also work as a memorial tattoo.
Get a traditional spider to ensure your design never goes out of style. American traditional tattoos make use of bold lines and bright colors to create a tattoo that is sure to last. Go with simple colors like red and black to pay homage to the history of tattooing.
If you want something a bit more fun and whimsical, incorporate watercolor into your design. Try a simple, black spider with a watercolor background, or blend colors like pink, blue, and purple to give the spider itself a watercolor-inspired look.
For a unique look, distort and stretch the spider’s figure to create an abstract design. Alternatively, use triangles and rectangles to form the body to create a geometric spider tattoo. When it comes to abstract designs, the possibilities are endless, so use your imagination!
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Phantom Troupe spider If you’re a fan of the anime series Hunter x Hunter, get a spider tattoo to match the mark worn by the Phantom Troupe, an infamous band of thieves in the series. This mark represents the members’ loyalty to the group, so this tattoo could also represent your own loyalty to your friends or family.
- If you’re into pop culture, another option is to get a Spider-Man tattoo. Go for the character himself or choose the spider symbol on his costume.

Section 4 of 4:

Spider Tattoo Placement Ideas

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Choose a location that fits your aesthetic preferences. There isn’t a right or wrong place to get a spider tattoo on your body. If you have other tattoos, consider where your new ink would look best in comparison. If this is your first tattoo, consider whether you want the tattoo to be visible or if you need to hide it easily. Keep in mind, too, that some locations will hurt more than others. Here are some ideas of where to get a tattoo:^{[12]
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- Arm or leg: Your arm or leg is a great location for any tattoo style, as there is a lot of space to work with. These locations also work well if you’re getting your first tattoo, as they aren’t as painful as some other locations and it would be easy to cover the tattoo with your clothing.
- Ankle or wrist: These locations are great for fine-line, minimalist designs, and they can be easily covered if you need to hide your tattoo for whatever reason.
- Chest or back: If you want a really large, complex design, consider going for the chest or back. These locations provide a huge canvas for your artist to work on, but they can be really painful, so make sure you’re ready to commit.
- Neck or hands: These locations are intense, both in pain level and appearance. A bold, traditional spider tattoo would work well on the neck or hands, but keep in mind these locations are often considered “job stoppers” since they can’t be hidden.

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Tips

Be sure to follow proper aftercare instructions to make sure your tattoo heals properly.

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When preparing for your tattoo, be sure to eat a good meal and drink plenty of water. This will help ensure you don’t faint or feel lightheaded during your appointment.

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Don’t be afraid to tell your artist if you want to make changes to their design. This is a permanent addition to your body, after all, so make sure you love it before committing.

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