Willowsia nigromaculata
This record describes Willowsia nigromaculata (species). Recorded family: Entomobryidae. Recorded order: Entomobryomorpha.
Identification and Appearance
Note the metallic iridescent body, indicating the presence of translucent scales. Scales + Entomobrya lookalike body form point to Willowsia . Given the black dorsal pigmentation on the abdomen (the markings clustered bilaterally in 3 areas) it is W. nigromaculata ―Frans Janssens There is also a western form in California with convergent coloration to W. platani . The shiny, metallic appearance is caused by the iridisation effects in the many microscopic small translucent scales the body of Willowsia is covered with. - Frans Janssens )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Collembola
- Order
- Entomobryomorpha (Elongate-bodied Springtails)
- Superfamily
- Entomobryoidea
- Family
- Entomobryidae (Slender Springtails)
- Subfamily
- Willowsiinae
- Genus
- Willowsia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
a typical domestic springtail, often found in 'artificial caves' such as (green)houses ―Frans Janssens
Geographic Range
Holarctic
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Willowsia nigromaculata (Lubbock, 1873)
About Globular Springtails: the wider group
Order-level background for Entomobryomorpha, the group containing Willowsia nigromaculata. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Entomobryomorpha is a major order of springtails (Collembola) with ~4,000 described species. Springtails are among the most abundant land arthropods - a single square meter of soil can contain 100,000 individuals.
Ecological role of the group
Springtails are critical to soil food webs - they break down decaying organic matter, disperse fungal spores, and regulate soil microbial communities. They can jump up to 100× their body length using a fork-like structure (furcula) held under tension.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Springtails are mostly beneficial, playing essential roles in soil health and decomposition. Some species are minor pests in greenhouses and mushroom farms. They are increasingly used as bioindicators for soil contamination and pesticide impacts.
Recorded sources for this group: Soil ecology research, Collembola studies. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Willowsia nigromaculata (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Robin McLeod , ceiseman , v belov , PaleoJon
Frequently Asked Questions About Willowsia nigromaculata
What is Willowsia nigromaculata?
Willowsia nigromaculata is a species in the family Entomobryidae, within the order Entomobryomorpha.
How do you identify Willowsia nigromaculata?
Note the metallic iridescent body, indicating the presence of translucent scales. Scales + Entomobrya lookalike body form point to Willowsia . Given the black dorsal pigmentation on the abdomen (the markings clustered bilaterally in 3 areas) it is W. nigromaculata ―Frans Janssens There is also a western form in California with convergent coloration to W. platani .
Where is Willowsia nigromaculata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | a typical domestic springtail, often found in 'artificial caves' such as (green)houses ―Frans Janssens |
| Range | Holarctic |