Crickets Respond to Injuries in a Way That Suggests They Feel Pain

A University of Sydney study found that house crickets groomed and guarded antennae after a heat injury.

The repeated self-protective behavior looked more flexible than a simple reflex, suggesting pain-like responses.

The results add to growing evidence that some insects may have sentience or pain-like experiences.

The findings could influence welfare standards for farmed insects and future animal welfare policy, including in the UK.