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Eastern cucurbit bee

Eastern cucurbit bee

Peponapis pruinosa

A species of Squash bees, Also known as Squash bee

The eastern cucurbit bee (Peponapis pruinosa) is a picky eater who sticks with their preferred host plants, which include squash. Males are known to spend most of their time around flowers, even sleeping in them during the night. While it isn't known to be harmful, it still ends up being caught in pesticides intended for other insects.

Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
General Info About Eastern cucurbit bee
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Attributes of Eastern cucurbit bee
Colors
Green
Yellow
White
Habitat
Cucurbitaceae plant; closed squash flower
Adult Food Sources
Cucurbita pollen, cucurbita nectar
Larva Food Source
Cucurbita pollen, cucurbita nectar
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Eastern cucurbit bee is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Eastern cucurbit bee feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing-lapping mouthparts
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Species Status of Eastern cucurbit bee
It occurs in North America from the East Coast of the United States to the West Coast and into Mexico.
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Distribution Area of Eastern cucurbit bee
North America
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Life Cycle of Eastern cucurbit bee
Egg During this initial phase, the eastern cucurbit bee begins life encased within a diminutive, typically oval-shaped egg. Over time, the embryo inside transforms, preparing to hatch.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva emerges, focusing solely on growth. This stage is characterized by molting and size increments, with a consistent worm-like shape and lack of true limbs or wings.
Pupal As a pupa, the eastern cucurbit bee is encased in a protective cocoon or cell, undergoing drastic changes. Here, tissues are reorganized into the adult form, remaining mostly inactive and vulnerable.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult eastern cucurbit bee's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Eastern cucurbit bee
1.1 - 1.4 cm
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Interesting Facts About Eastern cucurbit bee
The eastern cucurbit bee can fly in cooler temperatures compared to other bee species, allowing it to pollinate flowers earlier in the day.
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Scientific Classification of Eastern cucurbit bee
Class
Bugs
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Order
Bees
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Tips for Finding Eastern cucurbit bee
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Youth Habitat of Eastern cucurbit bee
Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Habitat Preferences of Eastern cucurbit bee Through Different Life Stages
The adult eastern cucurbit bee is often found in areas abundant with flowering crops, especially cucurbits such as squash and pumpkins, since they are specialist pollinators. Looking for the larvae would require searching within nests constructed in the ground, which females build after mating. These nests are typically found in well-drained, sandy soil located in open, sunny spots. The eggs laid by the female are deposited in the nest's brood cells, where they develop into larvae, thus a careful examination of these subterranean nest chambers would be necessary to find them.
Are Eastern cucurbit bee harmful?
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The eastern cucurbit bee can cause toxic reactions with a wide range of severity. However, the toxins are typically targeted at their prey and predators. They are usually not fatal to humans.

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Are Eastern cucurbit bee harmful to humans?

Most bees are docile and only sting when they are irritated. The sting needles of bees are sharp and toxic, and people will obviously feel pain after being stung. Some bees may also cause swelling, redness, fever and itching. Some sensitive people may experience more severe symptoms or even death.
Harmful Effects of Eastern cucurbit bee
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Toxic to Animals
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Toxic to Animals

Eastern cucurbit bee, with its function of defense, is equipped with a sting used to deliver a mild toxin. Typically, this organism uses venom as a protective strategy against predators, employing its sting during interactions. In adult stage, when eastern cucurbit bee feels threatened, it may react by stinging. In humans, such a sting can cause temporary discomfort, including minor pain, redness, and swelling, indicating a mild reaction to the toxin. Other close animal groups may respond similarly if exposed, with varying intensity of symptoms based on the animal's size and susceptibility.

More Effects of Eastern cucurbit bee

Beneficial Effects of Eastern cucurbit bee
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Squash, Gourds
Pollination Behavior Reason
Collect Pollen To Feed Offspring
Eastern cucurbit bee is a specialist pollinator of the Cucurbitaceae family, particularly attracted to the color and shape of squash and gourd flowers. This bee collects pollen to feed its offspring, efficiently transferring pollen between flowers as it moves. Its body is specially adapted to gather and carry large quantities of pollen, making it an essential player in the lifecycle of these plants.
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