A MORPHOMETRIC STUDY OF THE TAXONOMIC STATUS OF BOMBUS SANDERSONI (HYMENOPTERA: APIDAE)

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Abstract
A re-investigation of the taxonomic status of Bombus sandersoni Fkln. is described. Using multivariate analysis of wing venation data taken from previously identified museum specimens, a non-overlapping separation between sandersoni, B. frigidus F. Sm., and B. vagans F. Sm. was obtained. The Cresson lectotype of B. couperi appears in some respects intermediate between frigidus and sandersoni. Therefore the authors advocate retention of sandersoni as the valid name for the species, while admitting the possibility that this taxon may turn out to be a clinal variant of frigidus.