Bombus (Psithyrus) flavidus appalachiensis Lhomme and Hines, 2021

Bombus (Psithyrus) flavidus appalachiensis Lhomme and Hines, 2021

Yellowish Cuckoo-Bumble Bee

Notes: This regionally uncommon cleptoparasite of Pyrobombus (Lhomme et al. 2021; Williams et al. 2014), previously known as B. fernaldae and historically as Psithyrus fernaldae , has only been collected in Litchfield County in Connecticut, although its hosts are commonly detected throughout the state in many diverse habitats. There are historical records from 1911, 1912, and 1913, and then a 72-year gap before this species was detected again in 1985. This species has been detected most recently in survey work in locations where B. terricola has also been collected. Males have been found visiting white sweet clover ( Melilotus albus ), black knapweed ( Centaurea nigra ), and common milkweed ( Asclepias syriaca ) in habitats such as powerline ROW within a state forest and open meadows near forest edges. The range of this species seems to be increasing in Connecticut (being detected in only two towns prior to 2000, and five towns since 2010) and regionally, as evidenced by an increase in iNaturalist records throughout New England, including New York (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=48&su bview=table&taxon_id=541839) and Vermont (https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=47&subview=ta ble&taxon_id=541839).

Subgenus Pyrobombus Dalla Torre