Episode 4

Introducing Peponapis pruinosa!

Published on: 5th June, 2021

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

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About the Podcast

Song and Plants
Botanical musings and music
Learning the binomial nomenclature (scientific names) of biota is a fascinating way to glean insight into the natural world. Though daunting at first, they can become familiar and accessible with the help of melody and context. This podcast will present tunes where the scientific names of species comprise the lyrical content. Episodes will describe habitats, growing conditions, nutritional information, and locate species within their taxonomic hierarchy. Historical significance, interviews and anecdotal stories will also be presented. Each musical release will inspire eight weekly episodes. Come grow with me!

About your host

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Carmen Porter

Growing up, my playground was the forest and orchard behind my house which were teeming with fascinating flora and fauna. I was the little girl singing to her extensive plant collection and pet caterpillars. After leaving home for too many years to pursue higher education and wander around the world, I returned to plant a garden. There are currently more than 500 cultivars of fruits and vegetables growing around my house.

'Song and Plants' came about when I started writing music to help me learn the binomial nomenclature (scientific names) of local biota. The podcast accompanies the tunes by providing information that extends beyond the lyrical content.