The ‘Macabre Moth’ Horror Trope, Explained
Moths have a history as bad omens in the horror genre. While butterflies usually symbolize new life and rebirth, moths are often used to show that some kind of tragedy is imminent. Whether in swarms or just a single insect prominently appearing, the «Macabre Moth» trope is more common in horror films than viewers may realize.
From precursors to possession to harbingers of disaster, moths are heavily used throughout horror as symbolism. With their proclivity for nocturnal life and dull color palette, not to mention the convenient markings of the death's-head hawk, moths rank highly among the insect world as horror-friendly symbols of impending doom. There are plenty of examples of horror media that have used the «Macabre Moth» trope has been used over the years.
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One of the most recognizable uses of moths in horror, specifically the death's-head hawk moth, is Silence of The Lambs. As well as being prominently featured in the film's marketing, the moth is an importantpart of the untangling of the central serial killer. The world's most famous cannibal, Hannibal Lecter, was portrayed in the 1991 film by Anthony Hopkins as he faced off with trainee FBI agent Clarice Starling, played by Jodie Foster. While hunting serial killer Buffalo Bill, Clarice turns to the imprisoned Lecter for his insight into the mind of the killer. Buffalo Bill is a particularly brutal and sadistic killer, leaving his female victims skinned with a death's-head hawk moth shoved into their throats.
As Lecter explains to Clarice in the film, the moth symbolizes metamorphosis, transformation, and rebirth for Buffalo Bill, who longs to transition genders. At this point, it would be remiss not to mention how damaging
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