Bombus cryptarum

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]

Bombus cryptarum
Conservation status
Data Deficient  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Secure  (NatureServe)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Hymenoptera
Family:	Apidae
Genus:	Bombus
Species:	B. cryptarum
Binomial name
Bombus cryptarum (Fabricius, 1775)

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]