The changing landscape of ethical oversight for entomological research

This presentation surveys the changing landscape of ethical oversight for entomological research. Until relatively recently, research with insects has been exempt from ethical review processes around the world. Now, however, over 50% of UK universities require ethics review for research involving insects, as do some South African universities. This has occurred even though insects are not protected by animal welfare regulations in these countries. Several factors may explain this development. First, there is increasing evidence that insects can have negatively valenced states. Second, the UK’s Animal Sentience Bill was expanded in 2022 to cover cephalopod mollusks and decapod crustaceans, the latter of which are co-members of Pancrustacea with insects. So, as there is no obvious reason to protect the former groups and not insects, ethics review processes may be opting for a more inclusive precautionary approach. Third, there is increasing evidence of social concern for insects in the US and Western Europe. For instance, recent surveys indicate that over 50% of Americans believe that insects can feel pain. The ethical oversight of insect research in the US does not appear to be immanent, but it is possible. For example, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, which is the touchstone for humane practice in laboratory animal research, states that its principles apply to invertebrate animals. By appreciating both the state of play and the larger social forces at work, entomologists can be better prepared for evolving conversations about ethics oversight for invertebrates generally and insects in particular.