Khaberni - Australian scientists have announced the discovery of a new type of bee with small horns, in an insect-rich area in Western Australia, named "lucifer," after the famous "Lucifer" character in the Netflix series.
Curtin University, which revealed this species, said the naming was a playful nod to the protruding horns characteristic of the female bees, which are only 0.9 mm in length, according to British newspaper "The Sun."
Dr. Kate Prendergast, from the School of Molecular and Life Sciences at the university, explained that she discovered the bee while studying endangered wildflowers, which coincided with her watching episodes of the famous series from which the name was derived.
A Means of Self-Defense
Prendergast noted that these small horns might help the bees access their food from flowers and defend against their competitors and natural enemies, adding that this species is the first new member described in this group of bees in more than twenty years, highlighting the amount of wildlife still unknown, even in areas threatened by mining like "Goldfields".
The researcher warned that the native bees may be at severe risk due to environmental habitat disruption, noting that the new species was discovered in a small area containing endangered flowers, which means that both species could be vulnerable to the risks of climate change and environmental disturbances.
She confirmed that many mining companies do not conduct studies on native bees, which could lead to the loss of undescribed species, including those that play a crucial role in supporting threatened plants and ecosystems.
Pollinator Week
This study coincides with Pollinator Week in Australia, an annual celebration of the role of bees, butterflies, and other insects in maintaining ecosystem health and food production. Researcher Tobias Smith, from the University of Queensland, stated that native Australian bees are "understudied and data poor," urging authorities to adopt stronger policies to protect them from habitat loss.
A Terrifying Insect.. the Size of an Owl
In August (August) last year, another terrifying insect was discovered in Australia, the largest insect ever recorded, measuring 16 inches in length and weighing 44 grams, in a remote forest, where researchers were able to catch it by hand. The new insect, named "Acrophylla alta," is approximately the size of a barn owl.
Angus Emot, from James Cook University, who participated in identifying the species, said that the large size might be an evolutionary response to living in a cold, wet environment, adding that the females have wings but are weak flyers due to their "heavy bodies."
