Until 2022, this species was considered to be a form of Bombus wurflenni, although it is now known to be a distinct species. It is similar in appearance to Bombus lapidarius, but is tends to be dumpier and squatter in shape with a shaggier coat. Primarily a montane species, it is localised but can be common where found.

Distribution: In Europe it is widely distributed but with a somewhat disjunct population. It is found in the hills of central and southern Europe from the Picos de Europa eastwards through France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Poland, Czechia, Romania, Slovakia and the Balkans. It is also found in Fennoscandia.

Flight Period: April-September.

Habitat: Primarily an inhabitant of hills and mountains, preferring woodland clearings and edges, bogland margins, alpine grassland and hay meadows.

Flowers Visited: Fond of long, tubular flowers such as Bilberry, vetches, mints, clovers, sages and others. Workers frequently engage in nectar robbing.

Personal Records: I have recorded this species in the alpine valleys around the village of Cogne in NW Italy. Here it was one of the most frequent bumblebees in the forest zone, between 1500-1900m. Most specimens were workers foraging on Bush Vetch.