description Bombus rupestris Overview
Bombus rupestris is a species of cuckoo bumblebee in the family Apidae, widely distributed across Europe. As an obligate social parasite, it lacks its own worker caste and instead has queens that infiltrate and take over colonies of the red-tailed bumblebee (Bombus lapidarius), using the host workers to raise their offspring. The females can be distinguished by their dark coloration with red tail segments and the absence of pollen baskets on the hind legs.
help Bombus rupestris FAQ
What is Bombus rupestris?
Bombus rupestris is a cuckoo bumblebee in the family Apidae. It is an obligate social parasite that uses colonies of another bumblebee species instead of raising workers of its own.
Which bumblebee does Bombus rupestris parasitize?
Its main host is the red-tailed bumblebee, Bombus lapidarius. A Bombus rupestris queen enters a host colony and takes over its reproductive system.
Does Bombus rupestris have worker bees?
No, the species lacks its own worker caste. Its queens rely on the host colony's workers to rear the parasite's offspring.
Where is Bombus rupestris found?
Bombus rupestris is widely distributed across Europe. Its range follows the availability of suitable host colonies, especially colonies of Bombus lapidarius.
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