Bombus ephippiatus
Bombus ephippiatus | |
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Bombus ephippiatus | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Hymenoptera |
Family: | Apidae |
Genus: | Bombus |
Subgenus: | Pyrobombus |
Species: | B. ephippiatus
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Binomial name | |
Bombus ephippiatus Say, 1837
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Synonyms | |
Bombus folsomi Frison, 1923 |
Bombus ephippiatus is a species of bumblebee native to Mexico and Central America.[1]
This is a variable species. There are a number of color polymorphisms, with body hairs in shades of white, yellow, orange, red, brown, and black.[2] Its species boundaries are not entirely clear. Some forms are similar to , which may actually be the same species. There may also be some similar specimens in the area that are an as yet undescribed species.[1]
This bee feeds on many kinds of flowers. It is active year-round in some areas. It generally occupies pine-oak forest and other kinds of mountain forest habitat.[1] Its restriction to high-elevation regions may have produced physical isolation that led to its many color polymorphisms.[2]
It is an efficient pollinator of tomato plants.[3] The overcollection of queens from the wild for use in agricultural operations is a potential threat to the species.[1]
References[]
- ^ a b c d e Duennes, MD & Vandame, R.V. 2015. Bombus ephippiatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 04 March 2016.
- ^ a b Duennes, M. A., et al. (2012). Geographical patterns of genetic divergence in the widespread Mesoamerican bumble bee Bombus ephippiatus (Hymenoptera: Apidae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 64, 219-231.
- ^ Torres-Ruiz, A., & Jones, R. W. (2012). Comparison of the efficiency of the bumble bees Bombus impatiens and Bombus ephippiatus (Hymenoptera: Apidae) as pollinators of tomato in greenhouses. Journal of Economic Entomology, 105(6), 1871-1877.
- IUCN Red List least concern species
- Bumblebees
- Insects described in 1837
- Taxa named by Thomas Say
- Bumblebee stubs