About Bombus pauloensis Friese, 1912
Description and identification: Bombus pauloensis are predominantly black in color. The bee's thorax is completely black, while the abdomen is black with a small amount of paler hair toward its apex. This species has a long tongue that allows it to retrieve nectar from flowers with deep corollas, and its antennae are also relatively long. Worker individuals have a wing length ranging from 4 to 10 mm, and queens are usually two to three times the mass of workers. Distribution and habitat: Bombus pauloensis nests are most commonly found above ground, and they have been recorded in a wide variety of locations including warm tropical areas and cold high-altitude environments. This broad geographic distribution demonstrates the species' ability to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions and pollen sources. While most nests are constructed on the ground, some have also been found elevated in trees above ground. Research shows that climate determines whether local colonies alternate between polygynous and monogynous cycles. Bombus pauloensis occurs across South America, including in Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, and Argentina.
