Specialist Peponapis bees prevail in pollinating U.S. squash crops

Species of Peponapis bees are obligate specialists on Cucurbita, the genus of squashes, pumpkins and gourds. These they pollinate effectively with several floral visits, demonstrated even for males. Pollen and nectar rewards proved massive, enough to sustain remarkable Peponapis densities. Nationwide surveys by SPAS cooperators showed Peponapis abundances to be sufficient for full pollination in most market gardens and farm fields, from Maine to California, excepting the Pacific Northwest. Among non-social wild bees, Peponapis are of unrivaled value for U.S. crop pollination.