Insect odorant binding proteins (OBPs) play an important role in the regulation of insect life activities by participating in the first reaction of environment-chemical information recognition. General odorant binding proteins (GOBPs) are mainly involved in the combination with host plant volatiles and insect pheromones. In this paper, we introduced the molecular characteristics, physiological functions, as well as the expression profiles of GOBPs gene in different tissues, sexes and developmental stages. Considering the tandem gene clusters of GOBPs/PBPs complex in the specific position of chromosome, we elaborated the evolutionary origin, expansion and contraction of GOBPs. The prospects of insects GOBPs in the application of monitoring and managing insect pests were summarized, indicating that GOBPs will be important targets in innovating novel control technologies.