Mealworm larvae are among the most widely farmed invertebrates, raising welfare questions about sentience and appropriate rearing conditions.
Mealworm welfare science remains at an early stage of development. The neural complexity of mealworm larvae is considerably less than vertebrates, and evidence for pain experience is limited. However, applying the precautionary principle given genuine scientific uncertainty supports preferring management practices that minimise potential harm. Industry welfare guidelines for mealworm farming are beginning to address rearing conditions and killing methods.