Mapping the research landscape on forest insects: bibliometric approach from 2010 to 2024

Abstract This study presents a bibliometric analysis of forest insect research from 2010 to 2024, utilizing a dataset of 12,822 publications extracted from 2319 journals. The annual growth rate of publications was 4.43%, with an average citation impact of 19.39 per article. The highest research output was recorded in 2021 (1144 articles), followed by a slight decline in subsequent years. Key contributing authors included Jactel H (78 publications, 14.56 fractionalized score), JR (75, 12.70), and Liebhold AM (58, 13.59). Institutional analysis revealed that the USDA Forest Service (385 publications), Beijing Forestry University (351), and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (341) were the leading research institutions. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified Climate change as the most frequently occurring term, indicating its central role in forest entomology research. Network analysis revealed strong collaborative linkages, with Liebhold AM and Raffa KF emerging as key influencers. Geographic distribution analysis indicated that China, the United States, Germany, and Brazil were the most significant contributors, with the United States serving as the primary hub for international research collaborations. Thematic evolution analysis showed a transition from ecological and taxonomic studies (2010–2015) to the integration of advanced methodologies, including remote sensing and machine learning for forest pest management (2021–2024). These findings provide insights into research trends, knowledge distribution, and emerging frontiers in forest insect studies. Graphical Abstract