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 lepidus.pdf
Varol & Bowman 2024 pl21 f17-24.jpg
Varol & Bowman 2024 pl22 f17-24.jpg
Varol & Bowman 2024 pl23 f01-12.jpg
Varol & Bowman 2024 pl23 f13-24.jpg
Varol & Bowman 2024 pl24 f01-12.jpg
Varol & Bowman 2024 pl22 f01-16.jpg
Varol & Bowman 2024 fig 8-05.JPG
Varol & Bowman 2024 fig 8-06.JPG
Current identification:
Compiled data
Citation: Olladiscoaster lepidus Varol & Bowman 2024Taxonomic rank: speciesType specimens: Holotype: Plate 22, Figs. 1-16 (same specimen in mobile mount). Type age (chronostrat): Zone NN6, Middle Miocene. Type locality: USGS-NASA Langley core Hampton, VA, USA. Type repository: Varol Research, LlandudnoRepository Country: Wales
Original Description Hexagonal stellate species of Olladiscoaster have diamond-shaped segments with quasi-arms. The tips of the segments are often rounded. 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 kite-shaped distal covers. The distinct proximal ridges with a petaloid knob decorate the bulged proximal side. At the side view of Olladiscoaster lepidus, a relatively low proximal knob with a depression is visible. Size: Dimensions of holotype: Maximum diameter: 6.03 µm, Maximum height: 3.60 µm; Diameter of the central area: 3.89 µm, Diameter of the proximal knob: 3.89 µm, Height of the proximal knob: 1.19 µm, Length of the quasi-arm: 1.07 µm, (measurements from bright field micrograph). Etymology: From the Latin lepidus, glamorous - refers to its charming appearance. Extra details from original publication Remarks:Olladiscoaster lepidus differs from Olladiscoaster molae by lacking the windmill-like appearance of segments. Olladiscoaster lepidus is distinguished from Olladiscoaster superbus and Olladiscoaster vestiguum by having diamond-shaped rather than kite-shaped segments. Kite-shaped distal covers in Olladiscoaster lepidus cap the sutural ridges, whereas boomerang-shaped distal covers cap the sutural ridges of Olladiscoaster superbus and Olladiscoaster vestiguum.
Occurrence: This species is recorded from IODP Leg 354, Hole 1451B, Ninetyeast Ridge, Bengal Fan, Indian Ocean, USGS-NASA Langley core 134.4 m, Hampton, VA, USA 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 lepidus: Catalog entry compiled by Jeremy Young. Viewed: 5-3-2026