Female Hairy-footed Flower Bee

Almost immediately the male Hairy-footed Flower Bees are out and flying the females emerge and add to the mix- meaning the males not only have to chase the other males away but they also have to pursue any females they come across. No wonder my garden is full of loud frenetic buzzing !!!
As you can see, the females are far less showy than the males, being all black with bright orange pollen baskets. They look a lot like small Bumble Bees.