Colletotrichum is an important fungal genus, its taxonomy has been paid more attention by the mycologists. The recent research progresses on the taxonomy of the genus, including morphology, molecular phylogeny and other approaches, were reviewed in this paper. The application of physio-biochemical characterisitics, mating compatibility and secondary metabolite profiles in the identification of CoUetotrichum species was also reviewed. Finally, the future trend of taxonomic study on this genus was prospected.