Bombus mastrucatus, also known as Wurflen's bumblebee, is a widespread species of bumblebee found in the mountainous regions of Europe. It was first described by Gerstaecker in 1869. For a period, it was classified as a subspecies of B. wurflenii, but recent genetic and morphological studies confirm its status as a distinct species.[1][2][3]
This species has nearly clear wings with dark brown veins and long hair.
Females have nearly clear wings with dark brown veins and long body hair. The oculo-malar area (the space between the eye and the mandible) is shorter than it is broad. The clypeus (the front part of the face) is flat and not raised in the center. The hair on the top of the thorax is either entirely black or sometimes has yellow bands at the front and rear.[3]
Males also have nearly clear wings with dark brown veins and long hair. The male genitalia are distinctive; the gonostylus is long and convexly rounded at the tip, and the penis-valve head is strongly recurved into a long, weakly pointed hook. The hair on the top of the thorax between the wing bases is predominantly black, usually with few or no yellow hairs.[1][3]
The species exhibits regional color patterns. In northern Europe, it has an unbanded, red-tailed pattern. In southwestern Europe, it has a yellow-banded, red-tailed pattern. These variations are considered a form of mimicry, allowing it to resemble the local color patterns of the more abundant B. lapidarius and similar bumblebee species in each region. Genetic evidence supports that these different color forms, including the Scandinavian population, all belong to the same species.[3]
Behavior
Males show a 'patrolling' flight behavior when searching for mates.[1]
Distribution
This species is found across Europe, from Spain and Norway in the west and north, to Bosnia, Greece, and Ukraine in the south and east. It is a species of high altitudes, typically recorded from 1,000 meters up to 2,740 meters above sea level. It is commonly associated with the mountain-forest zone.[1][3]
Taxonomy
For a long time, there was confusion about its name and classification. It was once considered a subspecies of B. wurflenii, and was often referred to by that name in many field guides. However, recent genetic and physical analysis confirms that B. mastrucatus is a distinct and separate species.[2][3]
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