This study explores the use of a long fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome
oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) marker to elucidate the genetic diversity of Aedes albopictus sampled
from urban and forested regions in Peninsular and East Malaysia. A total of 36 samples were
collected from 5 localities from which its genetic variability was analysed. 33 distinct mtDNA
haplotypes were identified following the amplification and sequencing of the concatenated
CO1 gene. The analysed region of the CO1 gene identified substantial levels of genetic
diversity among mosquitoes in urban populations and revealed unique genealogical
relationships between local isolates as revealed in the haplotype network. This study highlights
the reliability of the long CO1 fragment to identify genetic divergence of Aedes albopictus
which can be utilized in forthcoming studies.