To which subgenus, defined by social parasitism within the Bombus genus, does Bombus flavidus belong?
Answer
Psithyrus
*Bombus flavidus* is classified within the subgenus *Psithyrus*. This subgenus specifically comprises the social parasites found within the broader *Bombus* genus. Species belonging to *Psithyrus* share the characteristic reproductive strategy where the female cuckoos do not establish their own colonies, nor do they produce a dedicated worker caste. Instead, they rely exclusively on invading and dominating the nests of social bumble bee species to have their own parasitic brood reared by the host workers. This classification highlights the species' unique ecological role as an obligate parasite rather than a primary colony builder.
Related Questions
What is the primary, non-negotiable dietary component for adult Bombus flavidus queens and males?What specialized structure, used by social bumble bees for transport, is absent on Bombus flavidus hind tibiae?Which group is solely responsible for feeding the Bombus flavidus larvae once the queen has usurped a host nest?What critical activity requires high energy reserves for a new, mated B. flavidus queen emerging from diapause?To which subgenus, defined by social parasitism within the Bombus genus, does Bombus flavidus belong?What is the key insight for supporting B. flavidus populations through gardening practices?Which two bumble bee species are cited as examples of hosts successfully usurped by the B. flavidus queen?Why does the B. flavidus queen not need to gather pollen for her own subsistence during the active season?Generally, when do the males of Bombus flavidus appear in the activity cycle relative to the queens?What anecdotal observation suggests a preference in the color of flowers visited by B. flavidus?