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Bombus auricomus is widespread throughout the eastern U.S., with a remarkably similar distribution to its comimic Bombus pensylvanicus, with the exception of not extending south into Mexico. Like B. pensylvanicus, B. auricomus has a limited distribution in the northern states of the Midwest, occurring only in the southern parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and potentially North Dakota. This species overlaps with its sister species Bombus nevadensis in South Dakota, western Iowa, SW Minnesota, and Nebraska. Historically the species status of these two taxa has been debated because of the intergradation of color forms. High genetic divergences and isolation between the forms has since resulted in their treatment as separate species. These factors have created taxonomic confusion regarding whether collected specimens labeled "B. nevadensis" are truly nevadensis or auricomus. |