Introducing the Cucurbitaceae Family!

05/27/21 • 4 min

Cucurbitaceae is a family with many familiar and tasty members. In anticipation of the first tune, this episode will focus on the Cucurbita genus. What are the most commonly grown species of the Cucurbita genus? And (briefly) what differentiates them from each other?

If you want to chat about squash, hit contact at https://carmenporter.com/

If you want to chat about squash, hit contact at https://carmenporter.com/

Previous Episode

Binomial Nomenclature is Fun!

What is bionomial nomenclature? Why is it important? What is a taxonomic hierarchy? This episode offers a brief yet practical introduction to the scientific classification system of living organisms. Did you know that there is a spider named after Johnny Cash? We'll touch on that too.

If you have any favorite scientific names or stories, sent them my way at https://carmenporter.com/

Next Episode

Introducing Peponapis pruinosa!

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