Springtail Wiki

Reading level

Changes how much detail each statement shows. Saved on this device.

Theme

Units

Stops animation and uses still drawings.

Journal article

Morphological and molecular analysis of Willowsia nigromaculata (Collembola, Entomobryidae, Entomobryinae) reveals a new cryptic species from the United States

Verified against a registry Peer-reviewed paper

Cipola NG, Katz AD. 2021. European Journal of Taxonomy 739: 92-116

Details

How it was checked

Checked on Oct 22, 2026 by Crossref. The registry returned: Morphological and molecular analysis of Willowsia nigromaculata (Collembola, Entomobryidae, Entomobryinae) reveals a new cryptic species from the United States.

Where this source is used

Cited by 8 statements

Willowsia neonigromaculata

  • A small scaled springtail with violet marks, described in 2021 as a hidden species within what used to be called Willowsia nigromaculata. (at Abstract)
  • Three specimens measured 1.51 to 1.85 mm from head to the end of the trunk. (at Description, Length)
  • Specimens were pale yellowish white with violet pigment on the outer half of all antennal segments, the sides of the head and the margins of the second thoracic to second abdominal segments. The third abdominal segment has one crossband that widens at the sides, and the fourth has an irregular side spot and a weak central spot. The eye patches are black. (at Description, Length and colour)
  • Scales cover the top of the head, thorax and abdomen. The antennae, underside of the head, legs and furca have no scales. (at Results, characters shared by both species)
  • There are 8+8 eyes, with the first two larger and the last two smaller. (at Results, characters shared by both species)
  • The antennae are shorter than the trunk. The fourth antennal segment is not divided into rings. (at Results, characters shared by both species; Description)
  • Animals called Willowsia nigromaculata from the United States and from France turned out to be two species. DNA differences within the old name reach 13.5 percent, with a clear gap between two groups. Differences in setae and in the number of inner appendages on the maxillary sublobal plate, three here and two in the French species, separate them. A phylogeny suggests both may occur in Canada. (at Abstract and Genetic analysis)
  • The type material is from Illinois, USA, and includes animals collected by a kitchen sink. A barcode from Brockville, Canada also falls in this group. The older name W. nigromaculata is among the most abundant and widely distributed springtails and is a common household pest across the northern hemisphere. (at Abstract and Material examined)