Identification of cryptic species Bombus lucorum-complex and Bombus terrestris in Penza region using the PCR–RFLP method
- Authors: Potapov G.S.1, Bovykina G.V.1, Polumordvinov O.A.2, Stojko T.G.2
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Affiliations:
- N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
- Penza State University
- Issue: No 1 (2025)
- Pages: 3-10
- Section: ZOOLOGY
- URL: https://journal-vniispk.ru/2307-9150/article/view/307095
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.21685/2307-9150-2025-1-1
- ID: 307095
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Abstract
Background. Studying the distribution of cryptic species Bombus lucorum-complex is one of the most difficult tasks in regional entomological research. In Penza region there is information about only two species of bumblebees B. terrestris and B. lucorum, not confirmed by molecular genetic methods, and the species B. cryptarum has not been registered. At the same time, a simplified molecular identification method PCR–RFLP of species has been developed, which made it possible to study in detail the distribution of three bumblebee species in the European North of Russia. The advantage of this method is that it does not require expensive DNA sequencing. The aim of the study was to identify the species Bombus lucorum-complex and B. terrestris in Penza region using the PCR–RFLP analysis method. Materials and methods. A detailed description of the PCR–RFLP method was presented earlier in the work of Bovykina et al., 2024. Ten specimens were studied, and photographs of the bumblebees’ external appearance (side view) and the central part of the posterior edge of the 2nd tergite of the abdomen were taken. Results. The presence of B. terrestris, B. cryptarum and B. lucorum has been confirmed in Penza Region. Reference samples of these species have appeared in the collection, their biotopic confinement has been considered, and their morphological features have been analyzed. Conclusions. As a result of the analysis, the presence of B. terrestris, B. cryptarum and B. lucorum bumblebees in Penza region was confirmed. The morphological features of the reference specimens are a model for identifying the remaining bumblebees in the collection.
About the authors
Grigory S. Potapov
N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Author for correspondence.
Email: grigorij-potapov@yandex.ru
Candidate of biological sciences, leading researcher of the laboratory of ecology of populations and communities
20 Nikolskiy avenue, Arkhangelsk, RussiaGalina V. Bovykina
N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Email: galka.bovickina@gmail.com
Junior researcher,
20 Nikolskiy avenue, Arkhangelsk, RussiaOleg A. Polumordvinov
Penza State University
Email: entomol-penza@yandex.ru
Senior laboratory assistant, museum lecturer, sub-department of zoology and ecology
40 Krasnaya street, Penza, RussiaTamara G. Stojko
Penza State University
Email: tgstojko@mail.ru
Candidate of biological sciences, associate professor, associate professor of the sub-department of zoology and ecology
40 Krasnaya street, Penza, RussiaReferences
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