Bombus rupestris is a species of cuckoo bumblebee present in most of Europe except Iceland. In the Balkans it is found in montane and alpine habitats northwards from Central Greece. It is also found in Turkey.

Description

The female is much larger than the male; she has a length of 20 - 25 mm, while the drone usually is not more than 16 mm. The bumblebee is black, with the last abdominal segments coloured orange-red. Due to its parasitic lifestyle, no workers exist.

Behaviour

Bombus rupestris is found in flower-rich habitats, such as meadows and along hedgerows. The bumblebee parasitizes the nests of the red-tailed bumblebee, B. lapidarius, whose queen is killed or subjugated.