To expand on the last sentence, studies have shown that individual insects such as cockroaches can exhibit different behavior when left alone (e.g. continue to explore their surroundings when exposed to stimuli such as bright light) and act differently (e.g. seek shelter and hide) when in a group that arrives at such a consensus decision.

When it comes to pain and sensory functions, insects do in fact feel pain based on the fact they possess a nervous system and respond to stimuli such as “pressure, shock, [and] heat.” Likewise they can “see, hear, smell, taste, and feel” as well as detect additional stimuli “outside our sensory scope” (e.g. butterflies can see ultraviolet wavelengths and bees can detect the direction of light polarization, that is the geometric placement and movement of light waves).[2]

Regarding emotions, the subjective experience of feelings, insects are not exempt. Bees have been proven to display anger and pessimism as well as optimism, fruit flies – fear, and most interestingly, woodlice – empathy, in which “calm” woodlice were able to “calm” more excited woodlice after they had been exposed to an unpleasant stimulus. Per naturalist and biologist Charles Darwin (1809-1882), insects can even experience “jealousy and love.” [3] Likewise, if insects can feel anger, fear, pessimism, and optimism as well as jealousy and love, it is safe to say they can also experience happiness and joy too.

In addition, each insect also has a unique and distinct face that is indelibly and visually present in macro shots that enable us to see what otherwise would go unnoticed. Having said this, a face imputes value like nothing else since it is “the most distinctive cue to… [individual] identity and most important visual stimulus in our lives” – providing means of recognition, social interaction, interpersonal development, social standing.[4]


From a theological standpoint, one could argue insects, which often go unnoticed and unappreciated because of their small size and seeming simplicity along with the unborn, because of their total innocence and complete helplessness are powerful reminders of the sanctity of life and the fact each life is intrinsically priceless. Because of this, I include a brief section on Insect theology.

And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures… creatures that move along the ground (insects)… And it was so. God made… all the creatures that move along the ground… And… saw that it was good. [Genesis 1:24-25]

And [the] Lord revealed to the bees: Build your hives in mountains, trees and in what they (humans) build. Then eat from every fruit…” [Qu’ran “The Bee” 16:68-69]

“Go to the ant… Observe her ways and be wise>” [Proverbs 6:6]

“Even the prayers of an ant reach heaven.” [Shintoism]

“O Lord, [Y]ou are kind and compassionate; [Y]ou give [Y]our gifts to even… insects…” [Sikhism][7]

“Every living being has a right to exist… [for] [a]ll souls are alike… None is superior or inferior.” [Jainism: Mahavira (Vardhamana Mahavir) (599-527 BC)]

“All living beings long to live…” [Jainism: Mahavira]

Even the simplest insect strives for protection from dangers that threaten its life. [Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama (b. 1935)][8]

“…[W]hen they came upon the valley of the ants, an ant said, ‘O ants, enter your dwellings that you not be crushed by Solomon and his soldiers while they perceive not.’” [Qu’ran – “The Ant” 27:18)

In conclusion, because insects are conscious, sentient beings with personalities that experience pain and emotions, are capable of empathy and communication, have the same if not more sensory capabilities than humans, possess a distinct and unique face and are indescribably vital to the planet as well as our own existence, their lives matter too. Therefore when taking into account the exceptions to be made to combat disease and famine, the Jain concept of Ahimsa that promotes universal love and compassion through non-violence provides an example on how we should treat insects and life in general – “Have compassion towards all living beings… Do not injure, abuse, oppress, enslave, insult, torment, torture, or kill any creature or living being.” As our anatomy and intellect enable us to do the greatest good or greatest harm, we owe it to the world, our environment, every living creature and to ourselves to be good stewards to all and to do the least harm possible especially since to use the words of Mahavira, the 24th and last Jain tirthankara (spiritual teacher) – “Non-violence and kindness to living beings is kindness to oneself.”[9]
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