Background: DNA barcoding is a novel and prevalent approach to molecular categorization and identification of insect species using short genomic sequences. It supplementally solves current difficulties of classical taxonomy and phylogenetics allowing quick identification, effective taxonomic discrimination, and validated categorization. This groundbreaking technology is being applied to insect phylogenetics in a wide range of studies worldwide.

Objective: The current literature critically reviews insect barcoding, its challenges, recent advancements, the role of bioinformatics, and novel computational methodologies and software tools involved.

Methods: A thorough search for manuscripts was conducted using a variety of platforms such as Google Scholar, PubMed, ResearchGate, Science Direct, NCBI, and Springer Link.

Results and Discussion: Although DNA barcoding in phylogenetics is quickly gaining eminence, it poses certain challenges when applied to insect phylogeny because of the sluggish rate of genetic evolution in insect mitochondrial genomes. In closely related insect species, there is a minimal variation between COI. Insect hybridization and polyploidy are projected to have an impact on insect species identification by DNA barcoding. Insect materials rich in polysaccharides, polyphenols, and other secondary metabolites increase DNA destruction, as shown in museum specimens. Amplification and sequencing of DNA might be difficult with such degraded samples.