Meet Peponapis pruinosa (Eastern cucurbit bee or squash bee)! This native bee is the most efficient pollinator for the Cucurbita genus (squash). Where do they nest? What is their life cycle? How can you encourage them to live in your garden?

The opening tune is called 'Beeloved' by Carmen Porter. It is available for listening at https://carmenporter.com and on all streaming platforms.

References:

Mathewson, John A. (1968), Nest Construction and Life History of the Eastern Cucurbit Bee, Peponapis pruinosa (Hymenoptera: Apoidea), Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society, Vol. 41, No.2.

Paul D. Hurd, Jr., E. Gorton Linsley, and A. E. Michelbache (1974), Ecology of the Squash and Gourd Bee,Peponapis pruinosa, on CultivatedCucurbits in California(Hymenoptera: Apoidea), Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, Number 168.

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/57679-Peponapis-pruinosa