In addition to moths, other animals made their way into the vanitas style. They became synonymous with death and decay because moths favored a nocturnal lifestyle, and there was a general misunderstanding and distrust of the natural world at the time. It has continued to remain a morbid association, with moths considered harbingers of bad fortune.

How bad is it to be struck by a luna moth?

Some cultures consider the luna moth to be a symbol of good luck, some belief it to be a symbol of bad luck. Luna moths are generally regarded as symbols of deep, positive, and profound transformation, as we’ve discussed. We have also seen that nocturnal reproduction habits have led to an older association with death for these moths.

There is a notion in Mexico, one of the natural distribution areas for these moths in North America, that Luna moths are bad luck, especially if they get into your house. The luna moth is considered a bad omen in many parts of Mexico because if they fly into a house of a sick person, they will die.

Even though these beliefs aren’t as prevalent today as they used to be, they are proof that the luna moth and its morbid associations are still regarded among some cultures.