Knowledge Trends and Emerging Challenges in Neotropical Aquatic Insect Research: An Analysis of the VII Symposium on...

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Biodiversity
• Entomology

Background:

• The Neotropical region is a biodiversity hotspot, with aquatic insects crucial for ecosystem health.
• Despite advances, taxonomic gaps and logistical challenges hinder comprehensive research.
• The seventh Neotropical Aquatic Insects Symposium (VII SIAN) convened to discuss aquatic insect research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze bibliometric data from the VII SIAN abstracts.
• To identify research trends, key insect orders, habitats, and life stages studied.
• To assess the representation of Neotropical research within the symposium data.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric analysis of 364 abstracts presented at the VII SIAN.
• Categorization of abstracts by research area, insect order, habitat, and life stage.
• Quantitative assessment of study focus and geographical distribution.

Main Results:

• The analyzed abstracts predominantly represent Brazilian research (92%), focusing on streams (69.4%).
• Odonata (27.7%), Trichoptera (17.5%), and Ephemeroptera (14.6%) were the most studied orders.
• Ecology (31.7%) and biomonitoring (26.4%) were the most prominent research areas, with less focus on taxonomy and conservation.

Conclusions:

• Neotropical aquatic insect research, as reflected in VII SIAN, is heavily concentrated in Brazil, with streams as the primary study environment.
• There is a need to incorporate innovative methods like environmental DNA and integrative taxonomy, alongside citizen science, to broaden research scope and impact.