This is a rather attractive, predominantly yellow-haired bee which can be common in parts of Turkey and eastern Europe. The form which occurs in Turkey and further east has more yellow hair than the European form, which has more black hairs, particularly on top of the thorax and on the posterior end of the abdomen. It can be quite common in parts of Turkey but is in steady decline particularly in eastern Europe and is classified as Endangered, particularly as a result of farmland intensification and afforestation. Despite this, it is expected to expand its range as a result of global warming.

Distribution: In Europe, it is found in Greece, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Serbia, southwestern Romania and eastwards into Moldova and Ukraine. It is also found in Turkey and further east.

Flight Period: Flies in spring and summer, particularly between May and September.

Habitat: A characteristic species of open environments such as open and lightly-wooded steppe, dry grassland, scrub, woodland edges, brownfield land and low-intensity farmland.

Flowers Visited: Workers are very fond of borage species, whilst males seem particularly attracted to globe thistles. Others flowers include sages, sainfoins, thistles, knapweeds and milkvetch.

Personal Records: I observed this species frequently around the village of Goreme in central Turkey. Here it appeared in good numbers often alongside Bombus argillaceus.  Workers were particularly abundant when I visited and almost always were found on blue Anchusa sp. flowers.