Do insects feel pain?

[Ron Gatrelle]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Nick Greatorex-Davies" <ngd at ceh.ac.uk>
To: <Leps-l at lists.yale.edu>
Sent: Monday, May 23, 2005 5:15 AM
Subject: Do insects feel pain?


> Hi,
>
> Can anyone answer this question for me please? I remember being told
> that insects do not have pain receptors. Is this true? Clearly they are
> able to 'feel' as they respond to various stimulae. Here in the UK there
> are many well-meaning conservation minded people who talk of being cruel
> to insects, of causing them pain, or of insects being distressed. Any
> thoughts or solid factual information please?
>
> Many thanks
> Nick Greatorex-Davies
> CEH Monks Wood, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon UK
***************

No, they do not.  They don't feel anything as higher animals do.  Their
rudimentary nervous system is not capable of this.  A response to some
stimulation is far different than "feeling".  There is no need to give
citations as those who have anthropomorphosized and romanticized "bugs" are
not capable of accepting facts.

Ron Gatrelle



 
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