Watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) reproduce through a process called sexual reproduction, where male and female flowers are produced on the same plant. The male flowers produce pollen, while female flowers develop into the fruit after fertilization.
Pollination is essential for watermelon reproduction, and it primarily relies on insects, particularly bees. Honeybees and native bee species are the most common pollinators. They visit the male flowers to collect nectar and pollen, and as they move to female flowers, they transfer pollen, facilitating fertilization.
In addition to bees, other insects such as butterflies and some beetles can also contribute to pollination, although to a lesser extent. Successful pollination results in the development of fruit, which contains seeds that can grow into new watermelon plants.