D3326: Bees and beyond: Squash flowers and their insect visitors

Pollinators play a crucial role in the reproductive success and yield of cucurbits. Consequently, most entomological research concerning squash focuses on bees, with a focus on the European honeybee. Because of this, there is currently limited knowledge surrounding other insects in cucurbit systems. This study aims to assess the diversity of insects in squash flowers at multiple stages of the flowers’ development. Flowers of multiple developmental stages, sexes, and cultivars were sampled at multiple times of day, and frozen so that insect visitors could be identified and categorized. In addition to pollinators, squash flowers harbored a variety of pests, natural enemies, and decomposers.