Insects comprise the vast majority of animal species, and growing evidence of nociception raises important questions about their moral consideration in agriculture and research.
The question of insect sentience remains scientifically unresolved, but the precautionary principle applies. Insects have nociceptors, show behavioral responses to harmful stimuli, and some species display learning, memory, and apparent emotional states. Industrial insect farming for protein involves killing billions of individuals with uncertain welfare status. Humane slaughter methods (chilling, CO2) are now being developed and studied.