Lepidoptera — moths and butterflies — are among the most charismatic insects, yet their welfare during collection, breeding, and habitat loss is rarely considered despite evidence of nociception in insects.
Moths and butterflies occupy an interesting position in welfare considerations: they are beloved and charismatic yet rarely considered as welfare subjects in their own right. The evidence base for insect sentience, while not conclusive, suggests that precautionary consideration of Lepidoptera welfare is reasonable. Commercial butterfly breeding and event release industries cause demonstrable harm through transport mortality, inappropriate climate release, and disease introduction. Habitat restoration that supports wild butterfly populations is both a conservation priority and a welfare benefit, avoiding the harms of captive breeding while supporting natural populations expressing full behavioural repertoires.