Despite the abundance of its host species Bombus terrestris, this is Ireland’s rarest cuckoo bumblebee with only 10 records. It’s scarcity is difficult to account for and its precise status in Ireland is uncertain. It is possible that is might have been extirpated from Ireland at a time, but has since re-established populations. It is also possible that it may exist at very low population densities and has simply been overlooked. Confusion with Bombus bohemicus may obscure its status as they can look similar, but the current species is black in colour with a golden yellow collar and a white tail, with small yellow adjacent patches on the sides of the abdomen.

Distribution in Ireland: Of what few records there are, most are from the southeast (Dublin, Carlow and Wexford). A single recent record also exists from Sligo.

Flight Period: April-October.

Habitat: Irish records come from a range of habitats; it seems to have little preference much like its host.

Flowers visited: Dandelion, Thistles, Knapweed, Clovers etc.

Personal Records: I have yet to see this species in Ireland; my only observations to date come from the village of Hemyock, Devon, UK where I have observed several males feeding on Spear Thistle.