New Delhi: Scientists have discovered a devilish new species of bee with ‘horns’ at Goldfields in Western Australia, during surveys of a critically endangered wildflower that only grows in the Bremer Range region that is at risk of mining, located between the towns of Norseman and Hyden. The discovery of the bee highlights the knowledge gaps in the native pollinators of Australia, and the need to understand better before their habitats are disturbed. The horned face of the female bee inspired the scientists to name the bee Megachile (Hackeriapis) lucifer. This is the first new bee described in over 20 years.
The discovery of the new species in the same region as the endangered wildflower indicates that both could be at risk from disturbances to the habitat, as well as other processes such as climate change. Mining companies do not conduct surveys for native bees, so it is possible that there may be other undescribed species. Indiscriminate human activities can decimate populations of both flowering plants and pollinators before they are even discovered. The research has implications for conservation techniques. A paper describing the new species has been published in the Journal of Hymenopetra Research. DNA barcoding was used to confirm that the males and females belonged to the same species, and that the new species was not previously described.
Lucifer bee named after Netflix series
Describing the process of picking the name, lead author of the Study Kit Prendergast said, “I discovered the species while surveying a rare plant in the Goldfields and noticed this bee visiting both the endangered wildflower and a nearby mallee tree. The female had these incredible little horns on her face. When writing up the new species description I was watching the Netflix show Lucifer at the time, and the name just fit perfectly. I am also a huge fan of the Netflix character Lucifer so it was a no-brainer.”