Aim. The rapidly evolving mitochondrial CoI gene is widely used in the molecular taxonomy of insects to identify closely related forms. Accordingly, to assess the distribution of subspecies / breeds of Apis mellifera in Ukraine, sequencing and comparison of this gene was performed for bees from different geographical regions. Methods. PCR amplification and sequencing of CoI. Results. Breed-specific mutations in the CoI gene have been identified for the Dark European, Carpathian and Ukrainian Steppe honey bees, which are widely distributed in Ukraine. It was found that the current distribution of these breeds does not correspond to the traditional zoning. Conclusions. The widespread practice of importing the genetic material of Apis mellifera from different regions of Ukraine leads to uncontrolled hybridization and represents a threat to the conservation of aboriginal breeds of honey bees.Keywords: biodiversity, mitochondrial DNA, molecular markers, cytochrome oxidase, Apis mellifera.