Pyrobombus

The Pyrobombus are fairly small bees. They are the largest subgenus group of the Bombus and it is the most diverse in its morphology. Along with its diversity, there are few similarities between the species. The Pyrobombus varies in tongue length, head shape, mouth-parts, wings-pan and such. The coat color of the Pyrobombus is physically similar to other bees in different subgenera under the Bombus, with black, yellow, and orange pattern arrangements and with some species, the coat can have white patches and or stripes. Like all bees, species of the Pyrobombus have translucent wings that can have different colour tinges of clear, black, brown and amber.

Reasons for investigating the origins of the Pyrobombus bees can be due to questionable physical resemblance between the species and enzymes. Some studies of the Pyrobombus phylogeny concludes this subgenus may not be monophyletic and is instead polyphyletic, where it shares multiple evolutionary ancestors, however, it is argued results that lead for the nature of the Pyrobombus to be polyphyletic may be due to a smaller taxon representation.[7] In the study by Hines, Cameron and Williams, they have gathered a larger taxon representation to investigate the phylogeny of the Pyrobombus, and conclude that the phylogeny of the subgenus; Pyrobombus to be monophyletic. They were able to analyze 36 of the 43 recognized species. There are numerous studies that have supported the Pyrobombus are paraphyletic and suggest the Pyrobombus belong in 2 different phyletic lines.[8] In a study by Plowright and Stephen (1973) have examined 18 different enzymes and found the taxon sample had close relationships with B.Jonellusfrom and B.Frigidus. Their studies have also aligned with other independent researchers.[3]

"More extensive molecular analyses suggest Pyrobombus is monophyletic and most closely related to Bombus s.s. and Alpinobombus." (Williams, Paul. 2006)[7]

"A genus-wide phenetic study of wing venation by Plowright and Stephen (1973) resulted in a polyphyletic Pyrobombus, with some species more closely related to species of the subgenera Melanobombus." (Williams, Paul. 2006)[7]

Underground bee nest.

Principally, Pyrobombus bees have their nests underground rather than the surface, which is common amongst the Bombus. In design, the Pyrobombus constructs it's nest with no elaborate entrances to its underground canal. Generally, plant material such as dry grass, sticks, petals, and other small deposits would be collected and accumulated around and or in the nest canal for camouflage. This camouflage of its nest is also known as a pseudo-nest[9] particularly to avoid predators and protection against bad weather. These colonies would often be small with some species being flexible with their site preference. European Pyobombus species have the tendency to be more stubborn in site preference, whereby their selection of nesting areas are limited.[10]

In the nest, there are cells. These cells are pollen lumps that are occupied by eggs and for the young. Pyrobombus bees have their eggs isolately laid each in a subcell laid vertically for the first cells in position which is the most common behavior amongst all bees except for the Alpinobombus. "The arrangement of eggs in the first cell arrangement for the Pyrobombus is generally two eggs at the center and three on each side, forming three rows."[9] Upon the population of the Pyrobombus bees developing and growing, the nests would inevitably need to expand in size. The construction of new cells would lay on top of the previous cells. This act would be also known as brooding. The following broods would have eggs laid horizontally or on top in position.[9]

Pyrobombus Pratorum pollinating

Pollination is important to preserve the ecosystem. It heavily relies on pollinators, like the Pyrobombus bees. The Pyrobombus collects pollen from a variety of flora by using its hind legs (scopa) and have pollen trapped between the body hairs. Through vibrating at high frequencies, pollen can be expelled from the bee's body to transport back to their colony and other plants for fertilization.[11] This is the act of Buzz Pollination in which most species of the Bombus behave that allows for flora to be distributed and fertilised.

Pyrobombus bees are commonly found in open environments such as meadows, grass fields, and forests.[12] At these locations, bees would face predators. Common predators would be bears, birds, badgers and hornets.

Not all bees are generalist forages. Bees vary in dietary and foraging needs that influence their population and flora growth.  

Ecology in Europe  

High lands and open fields in the French Alps are locations bees would build nests.

Pyrobombus bees are commonly widespread in the Northern Hemisphere and covers close to 50% of North American fauna.[3] Most Pyrobombus bee species are experiencing habitat loss, with a few endangered in certain geographical locations.

The subgenus contains the following species:[1]