An overview of the Bombus terrestris (L. 1758) subspecies (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Bombus terrestris is one of the most abundant bumblebee species in the West-Palaearctic. Its widespread domestication results in the movement of many colonies. The aim of this paper is to describe the 9 subspecies currently recognised and to list some of their most obvious characteristics. Bombus terrestris is not declining anywhere, on the contrary, its synanthropic spread through domestication may be expected. However, its autumn and winter populations rely on a restricted choice of flowers so they may be threatened locally by scrub clearance and the destruction of their favourite autumnal flowers.