| Bombus cryptarum | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Family: | Apidae |
| Genus: | Bombus |
| Species: | B. cryptarum |
| Binomial name | |
| Bombus cryptarum (Fabricius, 1775) | |
Bombus cryptarum is a species of bumblebee. It is native to the northern hemisphere, where it is "one of the most widespread bumblebees in the world." [2] It occurs throughout Europe, Asia, and western North America. It is known commonly as the cryptic bumblebee. [2]
The complete distribution of the species is unclear due to taxonomic uncertainties. It is part of a species complex of several bees in the subgenus Bombus sensu stricto , which are very similar and difficult to tell apart. [3]
It has only recently been identified in the British Isles. [4]
Bombus cryptarum differs from Bombus magnus phylogenetically and in labial gland secretions. [5] Bombus cryptarum florilegus, an endangered subspecies in Japan, [6] had previously been identified as having a close relationship with Bombus lucorum. [7] Bombus cryptarum florilegus was found to have low genetic diversity in Japan and maintained their own population with immigration from Notsuke Peninsula to the Chishima (Kuril) Islands [6]
In northern areas this bee lives on plains, especially in heather ecosystems. In southern regions it can be found in mountain habitat. [4]
