[5] In the nominate subspecies, the thorax is black, with the exception of a yellow collar (quite broad on the males) and on the edge of the scutellum.

The first, and the frontal part of the second terga (abdominal segments) are black, as is the final tergite, but the rest of the abdomen is yellow to red.

[4] The bumblebee is normally a highland species,[4] often found on bilberry, cranberry, and cowberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea).

[6] This species is closely related to Bombus lapponicus but has a more eastern distribution;[6] a number of subspecies are recognised:[3] B. monticola is found in most mountainous areas of Europe, as northern Scandinavia (mostly Norway and northern Sweden; the distribution in Finland is rather patchy, and confined to the area along the Norwegian border), the Alps, the Cantabrian Mountains, the Pyrenees, the Apennines, and in the Balkans.

The major areas populated by this bumblebee are Dartmoor, Exmoor, the Welsh uplands, the Peak District, the North York Moors, and the Scottish mainland.