Arthropods • Earth.com

Bombus dahlbomii

(Bombus dahlbomii)

Description

Bombus dahlbomii is a species of bumblebee endemic to southern South American temperate forests. B. dahlbomii is one of the largest bee species in the world, with matured queens growing up to 40 mm (1.6 in) long. Because of its size and furry appearance, the species has been described as "flying mice" and "a monstrous fluffy ginger beast". B. dahlbomii is native to southern South America (Patagonia, Southern Chile, Southern Argentina). The decline of its populations started with the introduction of Bombus terrestris and Bombus ruderatus into Chile to serve as commercial pollinators. B. dahlbomii population decline can also be attributed to the pathogen spillover of the parasitic protozoan Apicystis bombi, which was co-introduced with B. terrestris. B. dahlbomii is an important insect in local ecosystems, such as the Maulino forest of central Chile. There, it is a major pollinator of native plants such as Lapageria rosea and Alstroemeria aurea, both of which serve important commercial purposes.

Taxonomic tree:

Domain:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum:
Class: Insecta
Order:Hymenoptera
Family:Apidae
Genus:Bombus
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