Hairy footed Flower Bees

[Chas]

I have been enjoying these in my garden this week. My question, if anyone knows the answer is: Do males vary in colour (obviously not to the females who are black)...... but in different parts of the country because the ones I am seeing seem a lot paler than others I have seen in photographs? You can clearly see the hairy feet in this image below so pretty sure of the species.

Male


Female


Another interesting feature is the tongue which they keep extended as they buzz in to the flowers.

[eucera]

The males will fade as they get older. Here in Salisbury, they have been flying for 6 weeks or so and are certainly looking the worse for wear