Overview
- Researchers formally described Megachile (Hackeriapis) lucifer in the Journal of Hymenoptera Research, marking the first new member of this bee group in more than 20 years.
- The bee was recorded during surveys of Marianthus aquilonarius, a critically endangered plant restricted to the Bremer Range between Norseman and Hyden.
- DNA barcodes did not match any known bees in databases and verified that collected male and female specimens belong to the same species.
- The female bears small horn-like facial projections that inspired the name lucifer, which the lead author chose as a memorable nod to its appearance.
- Scientists caution that the bee’s limited known range faces threats from habitat disturbance, mining activity and climate change, and they urge more systematic native bee surveys.