Devilishly Distinctive New Bee Species Discovered in WA Goldfields
A new native bee species, Megachile (Hackeriapis) lucifer, featuring tiny devil-like “horns,” has been discovered in Western Australia’s Goldfields. The find underscores how much remains unknown about Australia’s native pollinators.
The bee was identified during surveys of the critically endangered wildflower Marianthus aquilonarius, which is found only in the Bremer Range region, located between Norseman and Hyden.
Origin of the Name
Dr Kit Prendergast, Adjunct Research Fellow at Curtin School of Molecular and Life Sciences and lead author of the study, explained that the female bee’s unusual horned face inspired the name lucifer. The Latin word means “light-bringer,” but the name also playfully references the bee’s devilish appearance.
“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.”
Significance of the Discovery
- The discovery highlights the biodiversity of the Goldfields region.
- It emphasizes the importance of conserving rare plants and their pollinators.
- The bee’s unique features make it a notable addition to Australia’s native bee fauna.
Author’s summary: The discovery of Megachile (Hackeriapis) lucifer in Western Australia’s Goldfields reveals both the region’s hidden biodiversity and the ongoing need for conservation of rare species and their habitats.