Let’s buzz into the world of the squash bee, a diligent little pollinator that’s perfectly adapted to the flowers of squash and pumpkin plants. Found primarily in North America, these bees have a special relationship with the plants of the cucurbit family, which includes squashes, pumpkins, and gourds. Unlike many other bees that visit a variety of plants, squash bees specialize in these few plants, making them vital for the success of these crops.

Squash bees are solitary creatures, with each female constructing her own nest in the ground, often right beneath the plants they pollinate. This close proximity allows them to be early risers, often out and about pollinating at dawn before many other pollinators are active. Their dedicated service not only supports agriculture, especially where squash and pumpkins are grown, but also highlights the incredible diversity and specialization within the bee world.