DNA Barcoding: Accelerating Insect Species Discovery and Biodiversity Documentation

Species identification is essential for recognizing and describing biodiversity. Traditionally, this process has relied on morphological diagnosis through taxonomic studies, which have certain constraints such as subjectivity and time-consuming processes. With the advancement of modern molecular techniques, DNA barcoding has gained global attention. The term "DNA barcoding" refers to the technique of establishing species-level identification by sequencing a short fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene, the "DNA barcode," from a specimen that is taxonomically unknown and comparing it to a reference library of barcodes from known species. This review article explores the evolution of DNA barcoding, its universal marker, and its application in insect taxonomy, emphasizing its role in accelerating species discovery and biodiversity documentation. In India, DNA barcoding initiatives have made considerable progress, yet there remains a vast opportunity to barcode the country's rich insect diversity. Overall, DNA barcoding emerges as a powerful tool to address the urgent need for efficient species identification and biodiversity conservation in an ever-changing world.