Phenological synchrony between the hoary squash bee (Eucera pruinosa) and cultivated acorn squash (Cucurbita pepo) flowering is imperfect at a northern site

• DOI: 10.1016/j.cris.2021.100022
• Publication Date: 2021-10-25T21:40:16Z
• Authors: D. Susan Willis Chan; Nigel E. Raine
• Keywords: Cucurbita pepo; Squash; Cucurbita; Seed predation

The phenology of crop flowering and pollinator reproduction can become asynchronous at the edge their respective ranges. At a northern site in Peterborough County, Ontario, we evaluated offspring emergence Cucurbita pollen specialist hoary squash bees (Eucera pruinosa) from nests enclosures to determine phenological synchrony with (Cucurbita pepo). For crop, percentage that emerged time provide pollination services during window. bees, compared period when both male females were present could mate whole period. We found fewer than half had by window closed only 34.1% support reproductive activities suggesting was imperfect perspective this site.