The species – which was discovered in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia – has been given the scientific name Megachile (Hackeriapis) lucifer, Curtin University in Perth announced on Tuesday.
Scientist Kit Prendergast discovered the first specimens of the bee back in 2019, while investigating a rare plant in the mining-rich Goldfields. She was struck by the insect's unique appearance, which prompted the name "lucifer."
“The female had these incredible little horns on her face,” Prendergast said in a press release .
This is the first time in over 20 years that a new species in the family of bees has been identified. It shows how much life remains to be discovered, says Prendergast, pointing out in particular areas where flora and fauna are threatened by the mining industry.
“Many mining companies still do not survey native bees, which means we may miss undiscovered species, including those that play crucial roles for endangered plants and ecosystems.”
Almost all flowering plants rely on wild pollinators, mainly bees, but many are threatened with extinction due to shrinking habitats and climate change, writes AFP.
