What is the name of the new bee species discovered in Australia?

Megachile Lucifer, a new species of native bee with distinctive "demon-like horns."

Where was the Megachile Lucifer bee found?

The new bee species was discovered in the Bremer Ranges region of Western Australia while the scientist was surveying a critically endangered wildflower.

Why is the Megachile Lucifer bee considered significant?

The discovery of Megachile Lucifer is significant because finding a new, undescribed native bee species in Australia is relatively uncommon, and this particular bee had never been collected before.

Home / Science / Rare "Lucifer" Bee with Demon-Like Horns Discovered in Endangered Australian Ecosystem

Rare "Lucifer" Bee with Demon-Like Horns Discovered in Endangered Australian Ecosystem

12 Nov

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Summary

Scientist discovered a new bee species with distinctive "demon-like horns"
The bee was found while surveying a critically endangered wildflower in Australia
The new species was named Megachile Lucifer, with the "Lucifer" name referring to the horns

Rare "Lucifer" Bee with Demon-Like Horns Discovered in Endangered Australian Ecosystem

In 2019, a scientist in Australia made an exciting discovery while surveying a critically endangered wildflower - a new species of native bee with distinctive "demon-like horns." Kit Prendergast, a native bee researcher, spotted the unusual insect and later determined it to be a previously undescribed species.

After collecting the bee and examining it under a microscope, Prendergast and her co-author decided on the fitting name Megachile Lucifer, with "Lucifer" referring to the horns that project upward and outward from the female bee's head. The function of these horns is currently unclear, but Prendergast speculates they may be used for accessing flowers, competing for resources, or defending nest sites.