Key for Identification of Bumblebee Queens from Costa Rica (Apidae: Apinae: Bombini)

A new dichotomous key enables the identification of bumblebee queens from Costa Rica, resolving long-standing challenges in distinguishing between species with nearly identical coloration. The study reveals that Bombus ephippiatus and B. digressus—previously indistinguishable—can be differentiated by jaw characteristics alone. It also clarifies distribution patterns, showing that B. weisi, B. digressus, and B. mexicanus have more restricted ranges compared to B. pullatus, B. ephippiatus, and B. volucelloides. Additionally, the research corrects a taxonomic confusion, confirming that B. melaleucus—previously thought to be present in Costa Rica—is actually confined to South America, though its potential occurrence in southern Pacific regions like La Amistad International Park remains plausible.

Sánchez-Ocampo, M. (2023). Key for Identification of Bumblebee Queens from Costa Rica (Apidae: Apinae: Bombini). International Journal of Zoology and Animal Biology, 6(4), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.23880/izab-16000502