55. Bombus (Pyrobombus) flavescens Smith

(Figs 112, 113)

Bombus flavescens Smith, 1852a:45 .

Bombus rufocaudatus Friese, 1905:510 .

Bombus geei Cockerell, 1917:265 .

Bremus (Pratobombus) mearnsi var. dilutus Frison, 1934:174 . Bombus (Pratobombus) mearnsi ssp. chekiangensis Bischoff, 1936:5. Bombus (Pratobombus) flavescens f. dilutior Pittioni, 1949:264.

Material examined. 4 queens, 3 workers, 3 males (IAB).

Distribution in North China. Rare at low elevations of the Zhongtiaoshan mountains in southernmost Shanxi, at medium elevations of the loess plateau in central Shaanxi, and at medium elevations of the Maijishan forest park, the Xiaolongshan nature reserve, and the Baishuijiang nature reserve in southern Gansu. 8 localities (Fig. 112) between 780–1415 m (IAB).

Distribution in China. Shanxi, Anhui, Fujian, Henan, Guangdong, Chongqing, Sichuan, Yunnan, Shaanxi, Gansu (IAB).

Forage plants. ASTERACEAE: Arctium lappa, Helianthus annuus; MALVACEAE: Alcea rosea .