An Australian researcher identified a new species of native bee in the mining region of Goldfields, in the west of the country.
The insect, named “Megachile (Hackeriapis) lucifer”, features tiny horns on its face that give it a unique and “demonic” appearance. The discovery was announced by Curtin University, based in Perth.
A name with dual inspiration
The term lucifer comes from Latin and means “light bearer”, although researcher Kit Prendergast also chose it playfully in reference to the character from the popular TV series Lucifer.
“The female had small horns on her face. At that time, I was watching the series, and the name just fit. Also, I am a big fan of the character,” Prendergast explained.
Scientific confirmation and international publication
DNA tests confirmed that the male and female specimens found belonged to the same species and did not match any registered in databases or museum collections.
The finding was published in the scientific journal Journal of Hymenoptera Research, specializing in this type of insect. It is the first discovery in over twenty years within this group of bees, highlighting how little is still known about Australian native pollinators.
Risks of habitat loss
Prendergast warned that the new bee and the flower it pollinates, the Marianthus aquilonarius —a critically endangered native species— could be threatened by mining expansion and climate change.
The Goldfields region, located about 600 kilometers east of Perth, is a center for the extraction of gold, nickel, and other minerals. However, it also hosts unique shrubland and desert ecosystems, where endemic species of flora and fauna survive.
“Many mining companies still do not conduct studies on native bees, so we could be losing species without even knowing they exist,” the researcher warned.
Australian Pollinator Week
The discovery coincides with Australian Pollinator Week, which celebrates the importance of bees, butterflies, and other insects in maintaining ecosystems and food production.
The crucial role of bees in life on Earth
Pollination
- Bees transport pollen from flower to flower, allowing the formation of fruits and seeds.
- About 75% of global food crops depend on pollinators.
- Without pollination, the production of many staple foods would be severely affected.
Biodiversity and ecosystem health
- Bees are indicators of environmental health, as their well-being reflects the state of ecosystems.
- Their work helps maintain plant diversity, which supports the survival of other species.
Hive products
- They produce honey, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
- They also generate pollen, propolis, and wax, used in food, medicine, and cosmetics.
How to help bees
- Plant native flowers in gardens and balconies.
- Avoid using chemical pesticides in crops and green spaces.
- Buy honey and products derived from local and responsible beekeepers.
The discovery of Megachile lucifer not only expands scientific knowledge about Australia’s native pollinators but also highlights the urgency of protecting biodiversity against mining and climate change. Bees, essential for pollination and food production, are a pillar of life on Earth.
