Spent some time in the garden with too much heat and several different species of bees working the flowers in the mead. This fellow is a Sweat or Furrow Bee (Halictus sp.) I was not going to attempt to ID to species as there are over 200 to choose from but the iNaturalist community has - just before posting this - confirmed by suspicion that it is a Ligated Furrow Bee (Halictus ligatus).
Many species in the genus are eusocial, with colony sizes ranging from very small (two to four bees) to large (>200). Nests are typically burrows in the soil, with several ovoid "cells" in which pollen mixed with nectar provided as food for the developing larvae; a single egg is laid on a pollen mass, and the cell is sealed. In a few species, the cells are arranged in clusters resembling a honeycomb, but constructed of soil rather than beeswax. Like most ground-nesting bees, the brood cells are lined internally with a waterproofing secretion.
Other bees seen were a couple of species of Bumble Bees, Honey Bees and another Halictus sp. This was the best photo though.
Interesting information (Wikipedia) about the colony behaviour of these bees:
H. ligatus is a primitively eusocial species meaning that there is suppression of ovarian development in female workers by aggressive behavior of the queen. Aggression is most common in the queen of the nest, but it may be exhibited by other members, especially if the nest is larger. The inhibition of ovarian development is accomplished by phermonal secretions and aggressive acts by the queen, who is trying to maintain herself as the sole egg layer. When there is a nest with multiple foundresses, one will assume the reproductive duties and become a guard while, the other a forager. This guard will protect the nest from intruders and assume a C- shape with the head and stinger directed toward an intruder to threaten them. Familiar members of the nest are allowed in based on familiarity, age, and smell. If a queen happens to die during the season when the nest is still highly active a replacement queen will be chosen from the workers, who will begin to exhibit the same types of behaviours as the previous queen. When climate is harsh or breeding season becomes short, some members of the colony may become socially polymorphic and revert to a solitary lifestyle, an adaptation to varying environmental conditions.
I love bees, all bees, and buy plants sometimes for their bee-attracting qualities. For example Russian sage (perovskia atriplicifolia) an amazing bee attractor. But I don't love yellowjackets since last week when I was stung by one on my right hand. Said hand swelled up like a Mickey Mouse hand in its white glove, except mine was pinkish red. Took a whole week for the swelling to go down. Be careful with these wee beasties!