Evidence FOR insect sentience
Drosophila show fear-like states (Anderson lab), bees show state-dependent behavior, nociceptor responses exist, and opioid-like compounds are found in some species.
Trillions at Stake
- ~1T: Insects farmed per year and growing fast.
- $4.6B: Insect farming industry projected by 2027.
- Key question: Do insects have subjective experiences of pain or suffering?
THE SCALE
Current scale
1+ trillion farmed for feed, pet food, and protein supplements; black soldier fly larvae, mealworms, and crickets are top species. Industry growth runs 20-30% per year.
Wild insect deaths
10-100 quintillion wild insects die each year in natural processes; crop pest control kills billions more via pesticides.
The uncertainty problem
We do not know if insects are sentient. Some scientists say no (simple nervous systems), others say possible (nociceptors and opioid-like responses in some species).
Why it matters now
If even a 1% probability of insect sentience exists, the scale of 1 trillion individuals demands precautionary consideration.
THE SCIENCE
1T+
Insects farmed annually (estimate)
5%
Of climate emissions if insects replace beef (protein-equivalent)
~1M
Neurons in a bee brain (vs 86B in humans)
?
Probability insects can suffer (genuinely uncertain)
The Science Is Genuinely Uncertain
Leading researchers disagree. Here is what the evidence shows.
Evidence AGAINST
No clear nociception-to-suffering pathway, very small brains, most insect behavior explainable by reflexes alone, and a 2021 UK LSE review found low probability for most insects.
The precautionary principle
Rethink Priorities estimates insects at 1-17% probability of sentience; this uncertainty combined with scale makes insect welfare a legitimate concern.
Where Farming Is Today
Killing methods
Freezing, hot water, and grinding are common. Their effectiveness at preventing suffering is unknown.
Stocking density
Black soldier fly larvae are kept at extremely high density; wild aggregation is normal, but suffering impacts are unclear.
Emerging standards
Better Life labeling in the Netherlands and academic guidelines from Rethink Priorities are early steps toward standards.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
🔬 Follow the science
Track Rethink Priorities research on insect welfare.
🌱 Consider insect-inclusive veganism
Only if you care about high-certainty suffering first.
📢 Support research funding
Back the Insect Welfare Research Society and similar efforts.
💭 Use expected-value thinking
Even 0.1% x 1T = 1B welfare-relevant individuals.