Bombini

Definition

A tribe of large, densely hairy bees in the family Apidae, containing the living genus Bombus (bumblebees) and several extinct genera. Members are pollen/nectar feeders; most species are eusocial nest-builders, while others (formerly Psithyrus) are obligate brood parasites that usurp established colonies.

Etymology

From the genus name Bombus (Latin 'bombus', humming or buzzing sound) + taxonomic suffix -ini indicating tribe rank.

Example

The tribe Bombini is distinguished from other Apidae by its robust, setose body form and corbiculate hind legs; workers of Bombus terrestris forage on a wide range of temperate flowering plants.

Related Terms

• Bombus
• Apidae
• corbicula
• eusociality
• brood parasitism
• Psithyrus
• Apinae

Usage Notes

Bombini is treated as a monogeneric tribe in modern classifications, with all extant species assigned to Bombus. The extinct genera Calyptapis and Oligobombus are known from fossils. Formerly, cuckoo bumblebees were placed in separate genus Psithyrus, but molecular studies support their inclusion within Bombus as a non-monophyletic behavioral group. Contrast with Meliponini (stingless bees) and Euglossini (orchid bees), other tribes in Apinae with different social structures and floral associations.