Females and workers: the head is somewhat elongated, widely rounded on the back of the head. The upper lip is rectangular; mandibles strongly bent, overlap when approaching. On the back, in addition to rusty brown hairs, there are black. The hind tibia has spurs along the edges with long hairs forming a “basket”. Males: the head is triangular or almost rounded. The back is entirely covered in yellow or red hairs. The sting is absent, but there are claw-shaped dark brown genitals.
It lives in most European countries west of Russia, with the exception of Ireland and Iceland . Also found in Turkey, on the Tibetan plateau and in northern China [1] [2] .
Ground or underground nesting. Departure of females after wintering is late - begins in the second decade of May. Habitat: pine and light deciduous forests, meadows.
