Devilish New Bee Species ‘Lucifer’ Discovered in Australia
The species, officially called Megachile (Hackeriapis) lucifer, was revealed by Curtin University on Tuesday. Lead scientist Kit Prendergast explained that the name was inspired both by the insect’s striking appearance and the Netflix series Lucifer.
“The name just fit perfectly. I’m also a huge fan of the Netflix character Lucifer, so it was a no-brainer,” Prendergast said in a statement.
“The female had these incredible little horns on her face,” she added.
Prendergast, from the university’s School of Molecular and Life Sciences, first came across the bee in 2019 while surveying a critically endangered wildflower.
She was immediately impressed by its unusual characteristics, according to research published in the Journal of Hymenoptera.
Genetic testing confirmed that this is the first new species in its group to be examined in over two decades.
DNA barcoding showed that the bee is entirely unique, with no matches in major databases or museum collections, Prendergast noted.
The purpose of the female’s horns remains unclear, though researchers suggest they may play a role in collecting resources or defending nests. Male bees of the species do not have these distinctive horns.
Prendergast emphasized that the discovery underscores the value of studying native bees, especially in ecosystems under threat from climate change and habitat disruption.
She remarked that it “really shows how much life we still have to discover.”
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