A parasitic bumble bee species endemic to the Palearctic region, specifically found in parts of Europe, characterized by its specialized cuckoo-like reproductive strategy.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Found in temperate forest and meadow ecosystems, typically at altitudes between 300-1500 meters, with preference for areas with abundant flowering plants and established bumblebee colonies.
Ecological Role
Critical as a parasitic pollinator, disrupting host bee colony reproduction while contributing to pollination dynamics in complex ecological networks.
Morphology
SKIN COATDense hair covering with characteristic black and yellow/orange coloration
LIMBS WINGSStrong wings adapted for rapid flight, specialized legs for infiltrating host nests
HEAD SENSORYWell-developed compound eyes, sensitive antennae for detecting host colony environments
BODY STRUCTUREMedium-sized bee, approximately 15-20 mm in length, with robust body shape typical of Bombus genus
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: James K. Lindsey
