Coelioxys
This distinctive group of bees are the cuckoos of the leafcutter bees and the flower bees. Females have remarkable pointed abdomens, whilst males have a strange collection of prongs. There are six species in the UK, all of which are frustratingly similar in appearance. Identification of most species requires either an exceptional set of photographs or the taking of a specimen to be examined under the microscope. A visual guide is available from the BWARS website here.
