Graduate Student University of Florida Gainesville, Florida
It is clear from our ever-expanding understanding of invertebrate biology and the use of invertebrates as important models of human disease that science implicitly acknowledges the large overlap in biology, including the nervous system and behavior, between invertebrates and vertebrates. Still, in comparison with vertebrate welfare, public interest in and attention to issues of insect welfare remains low. This ethical conflict between knowledge and practice has left scientists and the public confused about insect neuroethology and resulted in sparse, idiosyncratic implementation of insect welfare standards in research settings. We suggest there are several missed opportunities associated with the neglect of insect welfare in research protocols and programs. Using existing frameworks for animal welfare and insect conservation as guides, we outline opportunities for novel and creative data collection, improvement of lab culture, and greater public understanding of and interest in insects. Drawing on experience in neuroscience and from museum collections, we suggest improvements in data collection, storage, and accessibility that could directly and indirectly address insect welfare concerns. We advocate for a proactive, cross-disciplinary framework for insect welfare in research settings to provide a cohesive, ethical approach while improving research quality.
