New 'Lucifer' bee with devil-like horns found in Australia

The native bee was found near a rare wildflower, prompting scientists to call for the area to be protected.

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Researchers found the Megachile Lucifer while observing a rare wildflower that only grows in the Bremer Ranges in Western Australia's Goldfields region, 470km (292 miles) east of Perth.

The "highly distinctive, prominent horns" are only on the female bee and may be used as a defence mechanism, to gather pollen or nectar, or to collect materials such as resin for nests.

The study's lead scientist said she was inspired to use the name Lucifer as she was watching the Netflix show of the same name at the time. She adds it is the first new member of this bee group in 20 years.

"The female had these incredible little horns on her face," said Dr Kit Prendergast from Curtin University .