Biologists from Curtin University in Western Australia announced the discovery of a new species of bee named Lucifer (Megachile Hackeriapis Lucifer), distinguished by unusual horns on its head. The finding was reported by The Guardian newspaper on November 11.
The insect was identified in 2019 during research on a rare, endangered wildflower by researcher Kate Prendergast from the School of Molecular and Biological Sciences. “The female had tiny horns on her face—it looked impressive and a little sinister,” she noted.
The bee earned its name, meaning “light bearer,” due to its striking, “diabolical” appearance. According to Prendergast, this is the first new representative of this group of bees described in over two decades, underscoring how much Australia’s biodiversity remains unexplored.
Prendergast emphasized that the discovery highlights concerns about habitat loss, warning that many mining companies neglect research on native bees, risking the extinction of species critical to ecosystems. Scientists estimate that nearly all flowering plants rely on wild pollinators, yet habitat destruction and climate change threaten their survival.
Scientists Uncover Mysterious “Lucifer” Bee in Western Australia
