Bombus vestalis, known as the vestal cuckoo bumblebee, is a parasitic bumblebee native to Europe. It primarily inhabits meadows and gardens, relying on host species like Bombus terrestris. Notable for its lack of pollen baskets and distinctive white tail band, it infiltrates nests to lay eggs, leaving host workers to rear its young.

Bombus vestalis, commonly known as the vestal cuckoo bumblebee, is native to Europe. Its geographical distribution spans across various countries in Western and Central Europe, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and parts of Scandinavia, extending towards Eastern Europe.

The typical habitat of Bombus vestalis includes temperate regions with a preference for open and semi-open landscapes. This species is commonly found in meadows, grasslands, gardens, and areas with abundant flowering plants, especially during the spring and summer months.

Bombus vestalis is a parasitic bumblebee species, known for its cuckoo-like behavior. It does not construct its own nests but instead invades the nests of host bumblebees, such as Bombus terrestris. The vestal cuckoo bumblebee relies on the host's workers to rear its young. This ecological niche requires it to inhabit regions where suitable host populations thrive, often correlating with rich floral environments that support bumblebee diversity.