The cryptic bumblebee species of Bombus lucorum-complex pose challenges for conservation management. They are morphologically indistinguishable in much of their range,leading to misidentification in most cases. However, total DNA barcoding for such a widespread species is impossible due to financial and labor costs. Among the regions of Northern Europe, reliable data on their distribution exist for Britain, Ireland and Finland. Regarding Finland, only one paper (Pamilo et al. 1997) has been published which provides some data on the distribution of the cryptic species B. lucorum-complex. Concerning the Russian part of Fennoscandia (Murmansk Region and Karelia), no information is available.

In this research, we studied the distribution of the cryptic species B. lucorum-complex in Eastern Fennoscandia (within the administrative boundaries of two regions of the Russian Federation, i.e., Murmansk Region and Karelia). Morphological characters were used for initial species identification. After that, we used the PRC-RFLP method. This approach allows for accurate, quick and relatively cheap identification of the species of Bombus lucorum-complex.

We found that two species, B. cryptarum and B. lucorum, are present in Eastern Fennoscandia. Two other species of B. lucorum-complex, i.e., B. terrestris and B. magnus, have not yet been found in this region. B. cryptarum is recorded in the whole territory of the studied region. Only this species is recorded in the northernmost localities near Norway and the northern part of Finland. In Karelia, the higher proportion of B. lucorum in the samples is in the southern part of this region. B. cryptarum and B. lucorum are associated with a wide range of habitats. The typical sites of concentration of foraging bumblebees are different types of meadows. However, the range of habitats of B. cryptarum is broader. Only this species is found in tundra in the north of Eastern Fennoscandia.