The distribution of cryptic species of the Bombus lucorum-complex in Russian Eastern Fennoscandia

In this study, we present the distribution of cryptic species of the Bombus lucorum-complex in the Russian part of Eastern Fennoscandia, within the administrative borders of the Republic of Karelia and Murmansk Region. We applied the PCR-RFLP approach that allows identifying species of the Bombus lucorum-complex and B. terrestris accurately, quickly and relatively cheaply, because reliable identification of these species using morphological characters is often impossible. Among the species of this complex only two species, B. cryptarum and B. lucorum, were found in Karelia and Murmansk Region. B. cryptarum was recorded in all studied localities of this region. Only this species was registered in the northern part of Russian Eastern Fennoscandia. B. lucorum was found in most of the studied localities in the central and southern parts of this region. The northernmost record of B. lucorum in the region is the southern part of Murmansk Region (Kandalaksha). The distribution of B. cryptarum and B. lucorum in Karelia and Murmansk Region is close to that known in Finland.