Original descriptions of taxa. For coccolithophores, and many calcispheres, these are pages from the Farinacci & Howe Catalog of Calcareous Nannofossils. In other cases (e.g. non-calcifying haptophytes) the data is directly compiled on this site. The "Catalogue of Calcareous Nannofossils" was originally compiled by Prof A. Farinacci 1969-1989, since 2000 it has been updated and extended by Richard Howe - see The Farinacci and Howe Catalog - an Introduction.
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Farinacci - Olladiscoaster asterilithos.pdf
Varol & Bowman 2024 pl01 01.jpg
Varol & Bowman 2024 pl02 f01-12.jpg
Varol & Bowman 2024 fig 7-13.JPG
Varol & Bowman 2024 fig 7-14.JPG
Current identification:
Compiled data
Citation: Olladiscoaster asterilithos Varol & Bowman 2024Taxonomic rank: speciesType specimens: Holotype: Plate 1, Figs. 1Type age (chronostrat): Zones NN6, Middle MioceneStandardised type level: 140_NEOGENEType locality: IODP Leg 354, Hole 1451B, Core 29R, Section 4W, 58-59 cm, Ninetyeast Ridge, Bengal Fan, Indian Ocean.Type repository: Varol Research, LlandudnoRepository Country: Wales
Original Description Circular species of Olladiscoaster have segments without arms. On the distal side, the distinct sutural ridges are created by the deep cavities. The sutural ridges are raised towards the centre and capped by boomerang-shaped distal covers. The distinct proximal ridges with a radiating proximal knob at the centre decorate the bulged proximal side. Size: Dimensions of holotype: Maximum diameter: 6.90 µm, Diameter of the proximal knob: 3.40 µm (measurements from SEM micrograph). Etymology: From the Greek asterilithos, the star shape of rock - refers to its radiating proximal knob. Extra details from original publication Remarks:Olladiscoaster asterilithos is the only species with a radiating proximal knob; thus, it differs from any other Olladiscoaster. Olladiscoaster asterilithos is further differentiated from the Olladiscoaster molae group by lacking quasi-arms and, as a result, not having a stellate outline.
Occurrence: This species is recorded from ODP Leg 154, Hole 926A Ceara Rise, Atlantic Ocean, IODP Leg 354, Hole 1451B, Ninetyeast Ridge, Bengal Fan, Indian Ocean and various commercial oil wells in the Gulf of Mexico
Varol, O. & Bowman, A. R. (2024). The new Middle Miocene genus Olladiscoaster, and related and associated discoasters. Grzybowski Foundation Special Publication. 28: 1-102. gs
Olladiscoaster asterilithos: Catalog entry compiled by Jeremy Young. Viewed: 5-3-2026