Yellow-faced Bees (Hylaeus sp.) are small black, nearly hairless bees with white or yellow marking on the faces of the males. I haven't yet been able to identify those in the yard yet to species.
Hylaeus bees are the only native bees in Hawaii. Once arriving there, they evolved into 63 species, many of which are now endangered.
Here are some photos of a pair that was mating on the ocean spray bush outside our front door. (26 June 24)
- Links
iNaturalist: Latah County
Hawaii's Native Bees - Nalo Meli Maoli by Karl Magnacca
Wikipedia
BugGuide
