Can Insects Feel Pain? New Research Suggests That Crickets Do
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New research indicates that crickets may experience pain-like sensations, challenging previous assumptions about insect welfare. The study observed crickets grooming an injured antenna after exposure to heat, suggesting a response to discomfort. Researchers advocate for improved conditions in insect farming and experimentation based on these findings.
- ▪The study focused on house crickets, which are commonly farmed for food and research.
- ▪Crickets showed increased grooming behavior on the injured antenna after being exposed to heat.
- ▪Researchers argue that if crickets can feel pain, their welfare should be considered in farming practices.
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Can Insects Feel Pain? New Research Suggests That Crickets Do Used for food, feed and research, the critters are among the most widely farmed bugs. The study authors say humans should work to reduce harm in insect farming, handling and experimentation Sarah Kuta | Daily Correspondent May 18, 2026 12:00 p.m. ShareCopy linkEmailSMSFacebookXRedditLinkedInBlueskyPrintAdd as preferred source In laboratory experimens, house crickets groomed an antenna that had been touched by a hot soldering iron. Matthew Lindsey via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY 2.0 Can crickets feel pain? New research suggests these ubiquitous bugs may experience “pain-like” sensations, adding to the growing list of nonhuman species that seem to feel lingering discomfort.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Smithsonian Magazine.
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