This is a rather distinct bumblebee with rather dark, smoky wings. It is primarily an eastern species in Europe, found commonly in the Balkans as far north and west as southern France, south of the Alps. It can be common where it occurs and it appears to be fond of visiting composites.

Distribution: In Europe, it is found from southeastern France, through Switzerland, N Italy and eastwards across Hungary and Romania and throughout the Balkans and Greece. It is widespread and can be common further east in Ukraine and Turkey.

Flight Period: March-September, peaking between May and July depending on the area.

Habitat: Associated with open environments such as dry scrub, brownfield sites, steppe, grasslands and agricultural land.

Flowers Visited: Various vetches, Viper’s Bugloss, French Lavender, sages, knapweeds and various thistles.

Personal Records: I observed this species frequently around the Göreme area in central Anatolia, where both workers and males could be found visiting thistle species in scrubby brownfield land and along some of the walking trails.