A STUDY ON PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIPS AMONG THE SUB-GENERA OF BUMBLE BEES (HYMENOPTERA:APIDAE)

Abstract Phylogenetic relationships among the 28 subgenera of bumble bees were studied by using morphological and behavioral characters. The results suggest that the traditional Bombus Latreille and Psithyrus Lepeletier are monophyletic groups. However, the position of Mendacibombus in cladograms is different from that of the traditional view. In addition, according to their geographical distribution and relative relationships Eurasian—Asian group and Eurasian—American group are recognized for Bombus Latreille.