The species of the genus Bombus Latreille in Argentina (Hymenoptera: Apidae): taxonomic study and keys for their identification

This study presents a taxonomic review of the Argentinean species of Bombus. Keys to identify female and male specimens at the species level [including the Palearctic species, Bombus (Megabombus) ruderatus] are given. Three subgenera are recognized: Fervidobombus, the most diversified, with six different species; Coccineobombus and Robustobombus each with one species. For each taxon, queen, worker and male descriptions are given, as well as the following information: morphological variation, comparative comments and geographic distribution. Also, for each taxon SEM photographs of male genitalia and drawings of female sting capsule are provided.

Bumble bee; systematics