Ethnoentomology (1952-2024): scientific production, emerging trends and research gaps

Ethnoentomology, as an interdisciplinary field, explores the interactions between humans and insects from cultural, ecological, and social perspectives, fostering dialogue between traditional knowledge and modern science. Despite its relevance, a comprehensive bibliometric overview of its scientific production has been lacking.

A bibliometric analysis was carried out on the Ethnoentomology literature published between 1952 and 2024, using the Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. Searches were performed in Portuguese, English, and Spanish using the terms "ethnoentomol*", "etnoentomol*" and their variations. Articles directly addressing Ethnoentomology were included, while unrelated studies and duplicates were excluded. The data were analysed to identify publication trends, leading countries, authorship networks, and major research themes.

A total of 1,077 articles were identified, of which 375 met the inclusion criteria after duplicate removal. Publications showed continuous growth over time, with Brazil and other megadiverse countries standing out as the main contributors. Brazil ranked first, particularly in the Northeast Region, followed by studies from Mexico, the United States, India, and Spain. Among the most prominent authors are Costa Neto, Posey, and Monserrat, whose contributions were fundamental to the consolidation of Ethnoentomology as an autonomous field. Collaboration networks revealed increasing interdisciplinarity, encompassing themes such as food security, environmental conservation, and sustainability. Across the analysed studies, 1,043 insect species were recorded for different purposes, predominantly alimentary, medicinal, and utilitarian. Species such as Apis mellifera (Linnaeus, 1758), Rhynchophorus palmarum (Linnaeus, 1758), and Periplaneta americana (Linnaeus, 1758) stand out for their versatility and frequency of citation, emphasising the multifunctional value of insects in cultural contexts.

Ethnoentomology plays a strategic role in valuing ancestral knowledge and promoting sustainable practices, reinforcing its importance for biodiversity conservation and local livelihoods. Strengthening research networks and integrating local knowledge into academic and policy agendas are essential for advancing this field.