Concern for cuckoo bumblebees (Bombus subgenus Psithyrus): addressing our lack of knowledge

Abstract Bumblebees (genus Bombus ) have received increased academic and conservation attention with the recognition of a global pollinator crisis. However, subgenus Psithyrus (cuckoo bumblebees), has been overlooked. species parasitise social are frequently viewed as being detrimental to their hosts. This lack attention, combined taxon’s relatively low abundances enhanced vulnerability climate change due its phenological dependence on , means there is an urgent challenge facing . We found that literature focused comprised less than 2% total works despite forming approximately 11% species. argue key roles in ecosystem potentially overlooked bioindicator diversity. present evidence suggesting close ties between hosts impacted by change. Going forward, research distributions phenology will be essential for conserving this subgenus. Additionally, addressing these areas provides broader opportunities improve our understanding dynamics under associated links services.