Overview
- The species, Megachile (Hackeriapis) lucifer, was found while surveying the endangered Marianthus aquilonarius in Western Australia’s Goldfields.
- DNA analysis confirmed that the collected male and female specimens belong to the same species and do not match museum or database records.
- The peer-reviewed description in the Journal of Hymenoptera Research is the first new Australian member of this Megachile/Hackeriapis group in over 20 years.
- Females bear small horn-like structures on the face, an unusual trait within recorded Australian Megachile, with potential functions proposed but untested.
- Scientists highlight risks from mining expansion, habitat loss and climate pressures, urging site protection and routine native bee surveys by industry.