A new native bee species with a dog-like “snout” has been discovered in the Perth bushland of Western Australia. It was identified through Curtin University-led research that sheds new light on our most important pollinators.

Dr. Kit Prendergast, from the Curtin School of Molecular and Life Sciences, named the new species after her pet dog Zephyr after noticing a protruding part of the insect’s face looked similar to a dog’s snout. The name also acknowledges the role her dog played in providing emotional support during her PhD. Dr. Prendergast is the author of a paper on the discovery that was published on October 31 in the Journal of Hymenoptera Research. [1]

Figure 1. Bizarre New Bee Species Discovered with Dog-Like Snout

Figure 1 shows Study author Kit Prendergast says, "When I first examined the specimens that I collected during my PhD surveys discovering the biodiversity of native bees in urbanised regions of the southwest WA biodiversity hotspot, I was instantly intrigued by the bee's very unusual face. When I went to identify it, I found it matched no described species, and I was sure that if it was a known species, it would be quite easy to identify given how unusual it was in appearance. When I went to identify it, I found it matched no described species, and I was sure that if it was a known species, it would be quite easy to identify given how unusual it was in appearance." [2]

"The Leioproctus zephyr has a highly restricted distribution, only occurring in seven locations across the southwest WA to date, and have not been collected from their original location. They were entirely absent from residential gardens and only present at five urban bushland remnants that I surveyed, where they foraged on two plant species of Jacksonia. [3]

Not only is this species fussy, but they also have a clypeus that looks like a snout. Hence, I named them after my dog Zephyr. She has been so important to my mental health and well-being during the challenging period of doing a PhD and beyond." [4]

References:

1. https://scitechdaily.com/bizarre-new-bee-species-discovered-with-dog-like-snout/
2. https://www.news9live.com/science/new-bee-species-with-dog-like-snout-discovered-in-southwest-australia-205439?infinitescroll=1
3. https://phys.org/news/2022-10-unusual-bee-species-dog-like-snout.html
4. https://www.ndtv.com/science/this-species-of-australian-bee-has-a-dog-like-snout-3479018

Cite this article:

Hana M (2023), Bizarre New Bee Species Discovered with Dog-Like Snout, AnaTechmaz ,pp.152