Soil invertebrates including earthworms, beetles, and centipedes are among the most ecologically vital animals on Earth, and emerging research on their potential for suffering deserves consideration.
The welfare status of earthworms and soil invertebrates is at the frontier of moral consideration. Most evidence suggests their nervous systems are too simple for conscious suffering, but uncertainty remains at the margins. More importantly, these animals are the foundation of terrestrial ecosystems - their welfare as populations is essential to all other animal welfare above them. Protecting soil invertebrate communities through reduced tillage, avoiding pesticides, and maintaining organic matter serves both ecological and precautionary welfare goals.