Its full scientific name is Megachili (Hackeriapis) Lucifer. In Christian theology, Lucifer is a fallen angel who was cast out of heaven and is often associated with Satan.
The bee was found almost by accident when researchers were studying a rare wildflower that grows in a restricted area in the Bremer Ranges of the Goldfields region.
“These horns are very distinct and devilish. I wanted to call it a devil-like name and so I decided on Lucifer,” Dr Prendergast told PerthNow, the news website.
“Lucifer means ‘light bringer’ in Latin – I want to bring light to these issues around the lack of conservation of native bees, how many species are undescribed. Also, I love the Netflix show Lucifer.”
Announcing the discovery in the Journal of Hymenoptera Research, scientists called for the area where the bee and wildflowers are found to be given formal protection so that it cannot be cleared for mining or agriculture. Protecting the bee would mean protecting the entire ecosystem on which it depends.
