Work

The distribution of cryptic species of the Bombus lucorum-complex in the north-east of Northern European Russia and the Polar Urals

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In this study, we present the distribution of cryptic species of the Bombus lucorum-complex (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in the north-east of Northern European Russia and the Polar Urals, one of the most inaccessible regions of Europe. We used the PCR-RFLP approach which allows accurate identification of these cryptic species. Among the species of this complex only two species, B. cryptarum and B. lucorum were found in the studied region. It is likely that B. cryptarum is widely distributed in the north-east of Northern European Russia, while B. lucorum is restricted to the southern part of this region. Cryptic species of the Bombus lucorum-complex are not known from any of the island territories (Kolguev and Vaygach Islands, the Novaya Zemlya Archipelago) where long-term studies were conducted.

Source: Ecologica Montenegrina

DOI: 10.37828/em.2025.86.8

Authors: Grigory S. Potapov, Galina V. Bovykina, Yulia S. Kolosova, Alexander V. Kondakov

Institution: Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Hymenoptera taxonomy and phylogeny

Subfield: Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $161

Funder: Russian Science Foundation