Abstract
Recent improvements in taxonomy consider multiple operational criteria. Integrative taxonomy provides a methodological framework merging these multisource approaches. Bumblebees are considered as a uniform group where their taxonomy remains one of the most difficult. Here, we investigate the taxonomic statuses inside a monophyletic group including six taxa (B. inexspectatus, B. mlokosievitzii, B. ruderarius, B. sylvarum, B. velox and B. veteranus) in the most diverse subgenus of bumblebees: Thoracobombus. We used an integrative approach based on mitochondrial and nuclear genetic markers and eco-chemical traits commonly used in bumblebee taxonomy. For all species, our study shows a clear differentiation in DNA and eco-chemical traits. However, we conserve the subspecies status of B. ruderarius simulatilis and B. sylvarum daghestanicus from the east of Turkey and Iran according to their degree of genetic and eco-chemical differentiation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
