A new native bee species with a dog-like mouth has been discovered in the forests of Perth, Western Australia.
This bee species was identified through research led by Curtin University, shedding light on new aspects of our most important pollinator species.
Dr. Kit Prendergast from the Curtin School of Molecular and Life Sciences named this new species after her dog, Zephyr, after noticing that a prominent part of the insect’s face resembled a dog’s snout. Dr. Prendergast is the author of the discovery paper published on October 31 in the Journal of Hymenoptera Research.
“When I first examined the specimens collected during my PhD survey on the biodiversity of native bees in urbanized areas of the biodiversity hotspot in southwestern Western Australia, I was immediately drawn to the bee’s very unusual face,” Dr. Prendergast stated.
Specimen of the new bee species Leioproctus zephyr – (Image: Curtin University)
“When trying to identify it, I found that it did not match any described species. I am certain that if it were a known species, it would have been relatively easy to identify, whereas this bee has quite an unusual appearance. You can only confirm a specific species after examining them under a microscope and going through a lengthy process of comparing their features with those of other identified species, and then reviewing museum collections.”
“Upon reviewing the entomology collection at the Western Australian Museum, I discovered that some specimens of Leioproctus zephyr had been collected as early as 1979, but it had never been scientifically described,” Prendergast added.
According to Dr. Prendergast, she is delighted to play a role in bringing this species to light and officially naming it.
Dr. Prendergast said: “Insects, in general, are very diverse and important, but we do not have scientific descriptions or names for many of them. Leioproctus zephyr has a very limited distribution, only appearing at seven locations across southwestern Western Australia to date. They are completely absent from residential gardens and are only present in five remnants of urban dust land that I surveyed, where they forage on plants of the genus Jacksonia.”
“This species is not only selective, but they also possess a clypeus that resembles a snout. Therefore, I named them after my dog, Zephyr. She has been very important to my mental health and happiness throughout the challenging time of pursuing my PhD and beyond.”
Dr. Prendergast also confirmed that this new species is most closely related to other unidentified Leioproctus species through DNA barcoding.
