His name is Lucifer and he has horns like the devil. New species of bee discovered in Australia

The new discovery was one of more than 500 bee species that scientists estimate are yet to be described in Australia.

A wild bee with characteristics horn-like was identified as a new species in Western Australia, given the diabolical name of Megachile lucifer. The discovery, made by ecologist Kit Prendergast, from Curtin University, was in the Journal of Hymenoptera Research.

Prendergast came across the unusual insect while studying the pollinators of an endangered wildflower, Marianthus aquinarisin the Goldfields region. “The female had these amazing little horns on the face“, he recalled. After collecting specimens for analysis, further investigation confirmed that the bee represented a previously unknown species.

Under the microscope, females Megachile lucifer measured approximately 8 to 9 millimeters in length, with two distinct 0.9 millimeter horns that protruded between the eyes. DNA sequencing showed no match to any known species, and the specimens did not resemble any specimens in museum collections.

“The taxonomist who describes a new species has the right to name it,” Prendergast told . The ecologist and her co-author chose the name Lucifer not only because of its horned appearance, but also because the term in Latin means “bearer of light.” Prendergast added that he was watching the TV series Lucifer at the time, which made the choice obvious.

Although some native Australian bees are known to have small facial horns, none display such pronounced or curved horns. The purpose of these traits remains unclear, but previous studies suggest they may help females to defend floral resources or nesting sites against rivals.

In addition to its impressive appearance, the new species highlights the ecological importance of Australia’s lesser-known native bees. The location of the discovery coincides with the habitat of the endangered species Marianthus aquinarisraising concerns that both species may be vulnerable to habitat loss and climate change.

Australia is home to more than 2,000 species of native bees, but experts estimate that around 500 have not yet been described.

Prendergast hopes Megachile lucifer will “reveal” the beauty and importance of native bees. “Without knowing that bees exist and what plants they depend on”, he warns, “cWe risk losing both before we even realize they exist.”