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It seems to be widely accepted that bugs cannot feel pain.
Because of this, insects do not have the same protections vertebrates do when it comes to scientific research.
Descending control of nociception is important in survival, allowing animals to inhibit or prioritize nociception in different situations.
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An example the study uses to showcase this behavior is when an animal is injured in a fight.
After combat is over and the animal is in safety, an influx of nociceptive processing is enabled.
This then allows the animal to properly understand the severity of the damage and to protect their injuries.
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They also found that when faced with particular threats, insects can become more sensitive.
An example typically used to signify insects dont feel pain could actually mean the opposite, they argue.
When mating, female praying mantises infamously eat their mate.
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For example, not knowing you are injured from a car accident until afterwards.
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