Biologists from Curtin University revealed the identification of a novel bee species, Megachile Hackeriapis Lucifer, distinguished by unique head horns, during research conducted in Western Australia. The findings were disclosed on November 11, with the discovery traced back to 2019 when researcher Kate Prendergast was studying an endangered wildflower.
Prendergast described the female bee as possessing “tiny horns on her face,” noting its striking and “sinister” appearance. The species was named Lucifer, meaning “light bearer,” due to its unconventional features. This marks the first new member of its bee group documented in over two decades, underscoring gaps in Australia’s biodiversity studies.
Prendergast emphasized the urgency of addressing habitat loss, warning that many pollinators remain undocumented amid industrial expansion. She highlighted the critical role of wild bees in sustaining flowering plants, despite threats from environmental changes and land degradation.
