RCR-RFLP approach for identification of cryptic species of Bombus lucorum-complex in Northern European Russia

In this study, we present the using the PCR-RFLP approach for identification of cryptic species of Bombus lucorum-complex in Northern European Russia, within the administrative borders of Arkhangelsk Region. This method allows accurately, quickly and relatively cheaply identify species of Bombus lucorum-complex, because reliable identification of these bumblebees using morphological characters is often impossible. Among the species of Bombus lucorum-complex only three species was found in Arkhangelsk Region, i.e., B. cryptarum, B. lucorum and B. terrestris. Bombus cryptarum is found throughout Arkhangelsk Region. Only B. cryptarum is recorded in the extreme northern localities of this region. B. lucorum is also widely represented in the territory of Arkhangelsk Region, including northern localities. B. terrestris is found only in the south-east of the studied region. The distribution of species of Bombus lucorum-complex in Arkhangelsk Region is close to that is known in Finland.