Willowsia neonigromaculata
Katz AD & Cipola NG, 2021
Willowsia neonigromaculata is a cryptic described in 2021 from the United States. It was previously confused with the European species W. nigromaculata due to morphological similarity. Genetic and morphological analysis revealed it as distinct, with diagnostic characters including the number of inner appendages on the maxillary sublobal plate. The species belongs to the Entomobryidae, one of the most diverse families of Collembola.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Willowsia neonigromaculata: /wɪˈloʊ.si.ə ˌni.oʊˌnɪ.ɡroʊˌmæk.jʊˈleɪ.tə/
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Identification
Distinguished from W. nigromaculata by the number of inner appendages on the maxillary sublobal plate. Morphologically similar to W. nigromaculata, requiring detailed examination of mouthpart structures for accurate identification.
Distribution
United States; possibly present in Canada based on phylogenetic analysis.
Similar Taxa
- Willowsia nigromaculataCryptic sister from Europe; distinguished by maxillary sublobal plate inner appendage count and genetic divergence