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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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