Bombus cullumanus
The Cullumanushummel (Bombus cullumanus ) is a rare and highly endangered species of bumble bees ( Bombus) within the order of Hymenoptera ( Hymenoptera).
Features
The queen and the workers are black with reddish abdomen. This makes them very difficult to distinguish from the stone Hummel. The hind legs and the pollen basket, however, are entirely black. The males have a different look and are quite colorful: the snout has a bright spot, the collar is beige, the middle part is beige with a black ribbon on the front part of the abdomen is beige and is completed by a black transverse band, it followed by a red finish.
Habitat and Distribution
The Cullumanushummel preferably calcareous meadows, dry sunny sandy areas and flower-filled Wegsäume and agricultural areas. It was observed, for example, the type on Marsh Knapweed and blackberry bushes. Cavities have not yet been found, but it is believed that these are underground, eg in abandoned mouse or Wühlmaushöhlen. The species is widespread in Western Europe from the Pyrenees north to Sweden. However, a significant decrease in the populations listed.
System
In the past two Eastern European forms have been counted among this type, but these have now even species status, B. and B. serrisquama appolineus.
Endangering
The stock of this Hummel has decreased dramatically in recent years and today there are only in the Pyrenees and the Massif Central secured populations. In Western Europe, the species is considered endangered.