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New bee species with facial horns discovered in Western Australia
Australian researchers have identified a previously unknown native bee species, Megachile Lucifer, distinguished by tiny facial horns found only on females. The discovery occurred during fieldwork in the Bremer Ranges of Western Australia's Goldfields region, roughly 470 km east of Perth, where the bees were observed interacting with a rare wildflower endemic to the area.
Horns may serve multiple functions
The female bees' "highly distinctive, prominent horns" could play roles in defense, pollen or nectar collection, or gathering nesting materials like resin, according to the study published in the Journal of Hymenoptera Research. Researchers noted that the horns' exact purpose remains unclear but underscores the species' unique adaptations.
Name inspired by pop culture-and conservation
The species' name, proposed by lead scientist Dr. Kit Prendergast of Curtin University, draws from both popular culture and ecological urgency. Prendergast revealed she was watching Netflix's Lucifer while drafting the species description, calling the fit "perfect." The Latin root of Lucifer-"light bringer"-also reflects the study's call to highlight the plight of native bees and their role in pollinating endangered plants.
The female had these incredible little horns on her face. The name just fit perfectly. I'm also a huge fan of the Netflix character, so it was a no-brainer.
Dr. Kit Prendergast, Curtin University
Conservation warnings for fragile habitat
The study urges formal protection for the Bremer Ranges area, where both the newly identified bee and its associated wildflower face threats from habitat disturbance and climate change. Prendergast warned that mining operations often overlook native bees in environmental impact assessments, risking the loss of undescribed species critical to local ecosystems.
Without knowing which native bees exist and what plants they depend on, we risk losing both before we even realise they're there.
Dr. Kit Prendergast
First discovery in two decades
This marks the first new species identified in the Megachile genus in over 20 years, underscoring the rarity of the find. Researchers emphasized the need for expanded surveys to document native pollinators before industrial activity or ecological shifts erase them permanently.
