Current and future distributions of a native Andean bumble bee

Climate change (CC) is expected to negatively impact global biodiversity and ecosystems, resulting in profound ecological impacts and placing complex networks of biological interactions at risk. Despite this worrying scenario, the existing knowledge deficiencies may be overcome with species distribution models (SDMs), providing estimates of the effects of CC upon biodiversity. We evaluate the impact of CC on the distribution of the bumble bee species Bombus (Funebribombus) funebris Smith, 1854 (Apidae: Bombini) in South America. The Andean region will remain suitable for B. funebris under models of future CC. Nonetheless, the distribution range size will decrease, especially in protected areas. We believe this is due to the elevation zones preferentially occupied by the bees. The existence and prevalence of the species may be affected by anthropic actions and CC. The growing use of SDMs is critical to minimizing information deficits related to insect species and providing estimates of their distribution ranges. Implications for insect conservation: Implications for insect conservation Our results show a retraction in the future distribution range of this bumble bee, dispersing to higher elevations. Therefore, it has the potential for the loss of plant-insect interactions by affecting its crucial role in Andean pollination.

Automated summary

Climate change affects the distribution range of Bombus funebris in South America, causing it to retract and disperse to higher elevations. The loss of its crucial role in pollination in the Andes could have implications for insect conservation.