Found this bee mimic sitting on the pavement next to my driveway - it sat still for a whole lot of photos too. I thought maybe it was genus Mallota but someone has inquired about whether it might instead be Merodon equestris. Thought I would go to the experts for conformation :-).

Please note that this photo had to be brightened a lot to show detail so the color may not be accurate (it was a dark stormy day).