Overview
- Curtin University scientists formally described Megachile (Hackeriapis) lucifer in the Journal of Hymenoptera Research.
- DNA analyses verified male and female specimens as the same species with no matches in museum collections or databases.
- The bee was found in the Bremer Range and appears to pollinate the native Marianthus aquilonarius, which is classified as critically endangered.
- Researchers warned that mining-driven habitat loss could threaten both the insect and the plant and urged more comprehensive native-bee surveys by companies.
- Females have small horn-like facial structures whose roles are unconfirmed, with hypotheses including defense, pollen or nectar manipulation, or resin use in nest building.