Froth, Fields, and Future Directions: Scientometric and Integrative Review of the Recent Latin American Cercopidae...

Cercopidae, or spittlebugs, are xylem-feeding insects with significant economic impacts on pasture and sugarcane production in the Neotropics. Despite their importance, there has been no comprehensive evaluation of research trends on this group. This study presents a scientometric and integrative review of the literature of Cercopidae research conducted in Latin America and the Caribbean from 2001 to 2022. Using the Web of Science database, 154 articles were selected and analyzed for bibliometric patterns, thematic focus, and taxonomic coverage. The results revealed modest but consistent publication output over time, with Brazil accounting for the majority of studies. The most frequent research themes were agrisciences and ecology, particularly involving pest species of the genera Mahanarva Distant, 1909, Aeneolamia Fennah, 1949, and Deois Fennah, 1949. Studies in systematics encompassed the greatest species diversity, whereas other thematic areas showed limited taxonomic coverage. The majority of articles did not specify taxonomic identification procedures, raising concerns about data reliability. In summary, our findings reveal a clear bias toward economically important species and highlight thematic segregation among research areas. Strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and improving taxonomic rigor are essential for advancing the understanding of Neotropical spittlebug diversity and for developing sustainable management strategies.