• Scientists discovered a new native bee species, Megachile Lucifer, in Western Australia.
• The bee features unique devil-like horns, primarily found on females.
• This discovery raises awareness about endangered plants and the role of native pollinators.
• The species name was inspired by the Netflix show "Lucifer".
• Research published in the Journal of Hymenoptera Research coincides with Australian Pollinator Week.

A new species of native bee, dubbed Megachile Lucifer, has been discovered in Western Australia, specifically in the Bremer Ranges. This bee, which features distinct devil-like horns, was found while researchers were surveying a critically endangered wildflower, Marianthus aquilonarius. The name "Lucifer" not only reflects the bee's unique appearance but also emphasizes the urgent need for greater conservation efforts for native pollinators in the region, according to BBC and CBS News.

Dr. Kit Prendergast of Curtin University, who led the research, noted that the female bee's tiny horns, measuring about 0.9 millimeters long, might serve multiple purposes, such as accessing flowers, competing for resources, or defending nests. “The female had these incredible little horns on her face,” Prendergast explained, adding that the naming was influenced by her enjoyment of the Netflix series "Lucifer," making the title fitting for the appearance of the insect. This species marks the first addition to the Hackeriapis bee group in over 20 years, highlighting the undiscovered biodiversity still present in Australia, according to India Times and CBS News.

This discovery is particularly critical as both the new bee and the wildflower are confined to a small area that is threatened by mining, land clearing, and climate change. Prendergast cautioned that habitat disturbance could endanger both the newly discovered species and its ecological counterpart, the wildflower that it pollinates. “Without knowing which native bees exist and what plants they depend on, we risk losing both before we even realize they're there,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of assessing the environmental impact of industrial operations on native bee populations, as reported by BBC, India Times, and CBS News.