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 cruxii.pdf
Varol & Bowman 2024 pl20 f01-24.jpg
Varol & Bowman 2024 fig 8-07.JPG
Varol & Bowman 2024 fig 8-08.JPG
Current identification:
Compiled data
Citation: Olladiscoaster cruxii Varol & Bowman 2024Taxonomic rank: speciesType specimens: Holotype: Plate 20, Figs. 1-24 (same specimen in mobile mount). Type age (chronostrat): Zone NN6, Middle Miocene. Type locality: IODP Leg 354, Hole 1451B (Ninetyeast Ridge, Bengal Fan), northern Indian Ocean. Type repository: Varol Research, LlandudnoRepository Country: Wales
Original Description Stellate Olladiscoaster has an asymmetrical, pentagonal outline and diamond-shaped segments with quasi-arms. On the distal side, the distinct sutural ridges are created by the deep cavities. The sutural ridges are gently raised towards the centre and capped by boomerang-shaped distal covers. The distinct proximal ridges without a knob decorate the gently bulged proximal side. At the side view, Olladiscoaster cruxii resembles a boat. Size: Dimensions of holotype: Maximum diameter: 8.13 µm, Maximum height: 3.60 µm; Diameter of the central area: 4.81 µm, Length of the quasi-arm: 1.66 µm (measurements from bright field micrograph). Etymology: In honour of Dr Jason A. Crux, nannofossil specialist, San Antonio, Texas, USA. Extra details from original publication Remarks:Olladiscoaster cruxii has an asymmetrical pentagonal outline and differs from all other Olladiscoaster species.
Occurrence: This species is recorded from IODP Leg 354, Hole 1451B, Ninetyeast Ridge, Bengal Fan, Indian Ocean and various commercial oil wells in the Gulf of Mexico.
Stratigraphic range: Middle Miocene (Zone NN6).
References:
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 cruxii: Catalog entry compiled by Jeremy Young. Viewed: 5-3-2026