To the Ecology of Bumblebees (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Bombus) in Talysh

Abstract

The Talysh zone (Lenkoran natural area), due to different types of landscapes and climate, has a rich fauna and flora, many of which are endemic. There are 28 species of bumblebees living here, belonging to 7 zoogeographical complexes, which makes up 55% of the bumblebee fauna of Azerbaijan. In the lowlands and in foothill landscapes up to an altitude of 1000 m, where a humid subtropical climate prevails, only 4 species of bumblebees were found. In the zone of dry steppes and settled meadows, at approximately an altitude of 1400 to 2400 m, where a dry continental climate prevails, bumblebees are represented by 18 species. Bumblebees, with their perfect social life, are active throughout the season. As a result of studying the phenology of bumblebees’ flight, it was revealed that in the study area they begin flying from the beginning of April (4 species). During the summer months the number of species reaches its maximum (an average of 25 species). From the beginning of autumn, the growing season of flowering plants ends, and the number of bees decreases, but the number of bumblebee species is comparatively greater.