Bombus rupestris, the red-tailed bumblebee, is a striking species known for its distinctive red abdomen and black body. This bumblebee is a social parasite, often invading the nests of other bumblebees. It primarily inhabits grasslands and heathlands across Europe, playing a vital role in pollination despite its parasitic lifestyle.

Bombus rupestris, commonly known as the Hill Cuckoo Bee, is native to parts of Europe. Its geographical distribution includes a range of countries across the continent, particularly in temperate regions. It is found in countries such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, and extending into parts of Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.

Bombus rupestris typically inhabits open and semi-open environments. These include grasslands, meadows, and heathlands, where it can find its host species. The climate of these regions is generally temperate, with moderate temperatures and seasonal variations that affect the availability of floral resources and nesting sites.

As a cuckoo bee, Bombus rupestris does not build its own nests but instead parasitizes the nests of certain bumblebee species, particularly Bombus lapidarius (the Red-tailed Bumblebee). This ecological niche involves seeking out and exploiting the nests of its host species, where it lays its eggs. The larvae of Bombus rupestris then consume the resources meant for the host's offspring, eventually emerging to continue the cycle.