Willowsia platani is a moderately common species covered in leaf-shaped scales (Fig. 1) and with a variable pattern of pigmented bands and spots on the dorsal side of the body (Fig. 2). Less-pigmented forms have been identified as Willowsia nigromaculata (Lubbock, 1873) in the past. However, having examined the specimens in the NHML collection, I am sure that these are simply varieties of the senior synonym Willowsia platani (Nicolet, 1841). The mucro has two teeth (Fig. 3) and the empodium is about two-thirds the length of the claw (Fig. 4).
     Willowsia platani is resistant to desiccation and is found under bark, in bird nests and in buildings.

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Fig. 1 (above): Leaf-shaped scales on the body of Willowsia platani collected from a bird nest at Grassingdale in April 1977 (collector not known).

Fig. 2 (above): Willowsia platani (2.5 mm in length) collected from a 'balcony, house, London' in August 1952 (collector not known).

Fig. 3 (above): Mucro and dens of the same specimen of Willowsia platani shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 (above): Foot of the third leg of the same specimen of Willowsia platani shown in Fig. 2. sts, spatulate tenant seta.