Australian scientists have discovered a new native bee species with tiny horns - and given it a suitably devilish name.
Researchers found the Megachile Lucifer while observing a rare wildflower that only grows in the Bremer Ranges in Western Australia's Goldfields region, 470km (292 miles) east of Perth.
The highly distinctive, prominent horns are only on the female bee and may be used as a defence mechanism, to gather pollen or nectar, or to collect materials such as resin for nests.
The study's lead scientist said she was inspired to use the name Lucifer as she was watching the Netflix show of the same name at the time. She adds it is the first new member of this bee group in 20 years.
Dr. Kit Prendergast from Curtin University noted, 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. The name Lucifer also means light bringer in Latin, symbolizing the need for better conservation of native bee species and understanding of how endangered plants are pollinated.
The report published in the Journal of Hymenoptera Research calls for formal protection of the area where the bee and the endangered wildflowers are found, highlighting that both could be at risk from habitat disturbance and climate change. Dr. Prendergast stated that mining companies often overlook native bees when assessing environmental impacts, which may lead to missing undiscovered species that play vital roles in ecosystems.
Without knowing which native bees exist and what plants they depend on, we risk losing both before we even realize they're there, Dr. Prendergast emphasized.
