Annual Review of Entomology: A Legacy of Insect Research
The Annual Review of Entomology is a premier peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to the synthesis of research in entomology—the scientific study of insects. Since its inception, the journal has served as a critical resource for scientists, providing comprehensive review articles that summarize the current state of knowledge across various insect-related disciplines.
Established through a collaboration between the Entomological Society of America (ESA) and the nonprofit publisher Annual Reviews, the journal has spent nearly seven decades shaping the way insect science is documented and disseminated. As of 2025, it holds a dominant position in the field, ranking first among 110 journals in the entomology category according to Journal Citation Reports.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 1956
- Impact Factor (2024): 16.7 (Ranked 1st in Entomology)
- Access Model: Open access via the "Subscribe to Open" model (since 2023)
- Frequency: Published annually
- Scope: Broad coverage of insect biology, ecology, and applied entomology
Historical Development
The journal's origins date back to 1953, when a committee within the Entomological Society of America identified a significant need for a publication that focused specifically on review articles rather than primary research. This led to a partnership with Annual Reviews, and the first volume was published in 1956, marking the tenth title in the publisher's portfolio.
In its early years, the ESA played a vital role in the journal's stability, confirming the editorial committee and covering annual deficits of up to $2,500 during the first four years to ensure the journal could build a sustainable subscription base. Edward Arthur Steinhaus, who chaired the initial ESA committee, served as the journal's first editor.
The journal's demographic evolution reflects broader changes in science. Women were not included on the editorial committee until 1985. While female authorship was limited to 5–10% of articles during the 1970s and 1980s, this figure grew to 19% by the 1990s.
Scope and Scientific Coverage
The Annual Review of Entomology covers an expansive range of topics within the study of insects and related arthropods. Its scope includes:
- Biological Foundations: Biochemistry, insect physiology, morphology, developmental biology, and neuroscience.
- Ecology and Evolution: Insect ecology, systematics, biogeography, and the evolution of insects.
- Applied Science: Economic entomology, biological control, forest entomology, and medical and veterinary entomology.
- Specialized Fields: Pathology, vectors of plant disease, genetics, genomics, and the study of acarines (mites and ticks).
To ensure global visibility, the journal is indexed in major databases, including Scopus, BIOSIS, the Science Citation Index Expanded, and Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries Abstracts.
Editorial Process and Governance
The journal is managed by an editor or a team of co-editors, supported by an editorial committee consisting of associate editors and regular members. While regular members are appointed by the Annual Reviews board of directors for five-year terms, guest editors may be invited for one-year terms.
Unlike many academic journals, the Annual Review of Entomology does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. Instead, the editorial committee identifies critical topics and solicits reviews from qualified experts. Once a manuscript is submitted, it undergoes a rigorous peer-review process conducted by the editorial committee to ensure scientific accuracy and quality.
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Journal Overview Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| ISO 4 Abbreviation | Annu. Rev. Entomol. |
| ISSN (Print/Web) | 0066-4170 / 1545-4487 |
| CODEN | ARENAA |
| Longest Serving Editors | Thomas E. Mittler (1967–1997), May Berenbaum (1998–2018) |
| Current Editors (2025) | Nicole M. Gerardo, Christina M. Grozinger, Jon F. Harrison |
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Annual Review of Entomology different from other journals?
Unlike primary research journals, it publishes review articles that synthesize existing literature. Additionally, it does not accept unsolicited manuscripts; all authors are specifically solicited by the editorial committee.
What is the current impact factor of the journal?
As of 2025, the Journal Citation Reports lists the 2024 impact factor as 16.7, ranking it first among 110 journals in the entomology category.
Is the journal open access?
Yes, as of 2023, the journal is published as open access under the "Subscribe to Open" model.
Who are the current editors of the journal?
As of 2025, the journal is edited by Nicole M. Gerardo, Christina M. Grozinger, and Jon F. Harrison.
What specific organisms does the journal cover?
While primarily focused on insects, the journal's scope also includes acarines (mites and ticks) and other arthropods.