The article discusses the challenges and controversies surrounding the use of DNA barcoding as a tool for taxonomy and species delimitation. The authors highlight two major issues: the appropriate methods for interpreting DNA data (the "barcoder problem") and the reaction of the taxonomic community to the DNA barcoding initiative. They argue that character-based approaches are more suitable for DNA barcoding than distance-based methods, as they are more compatible with classical taxonomic practices and allow for hypothesis testing. The authors also emphasize the importance of broad-scale sampling and the integration of molecular and classical taxonomic data to achieve accurate species identification and discovery. They provide examples from muntjac, leeches, and sturgeons to illustrate how molecular data can be effectively combined with other sources of information to refine taxonomic frameworks. The article concludes by advocating for a non-tree-based approach to barcoding, which aligns with current taxonomic practices and provides a robust framework for species delimitation.The article discusses the challenges and controversies surrounding the use of DNA barcoding as a tool for taxonomy and species delimitation. The authors highlight two major issues: the appropriate methods for interpreting DNA data (the "barcoder problem") and the reaction of the taxonomic community to the DNA barcoding initiative. They argue that character-based approaches are more suitable for DNA barcoding than distance-based methods, as they are more compatible with classical taxonomic practices and allow for hypothesis testing. The authors also emphasize the importance of broad-scale sampling and the integration of molecular and classical taxonomic data to achieve accurate species identification and discovery. They provide examples from muntjac, leeches, and sturgeons to illustrate how molecular data can be effectively combined with other sources of information to refine taxonomic frameworks. The article concludes by advocating for a non-tree-based approach to barcoding, which aligns with current taxonomic practices and provides a robust framework for species delimitation.