Final Epithet
Discoaster artatus Varol & Bowman, 2024
Synonyms

1993 Catinaster sp. Aubry (pro parte), Pl. 3, Figs. 17-19; non-Pl. Pl. 2, Figs. 12, 16; non Pl. 3, figs. 11–15

1993 Catinaster coalitus (Martini & Bramlette, 1963). – Aubry, Pl. 3, Figs. 16, 20

2008 Catinaster sp. A - Denne, p.232, pl.2, figs. 5a-b.

2014 Catinaster virginianus Self-Trail, Pl. 1, Figs. 1-12; Pl. 1, Figs. 11-10; non Pl. 2, Figs. 1-3.

Diagnosis

These hexagonal species have segments with very short arms, distinct proximal ridges without any knob on the bulged proximal side and sutural ridges created by the deep cavities on the distal side. The sutural ridges are raised towards the centre and capped by boomerang-shaped distal covers.

Etymology

From the Latin artatus, short - refers to the short free length of the segments.

Dimensions Of Holotype

Maximum diameter: 8.25 µm, Diameter of the central area: 4.77 µm, Length of arms: 1.74 µm, maximum thickness: 4.57 µm (measurements from bright field micrograph).

Remarks

Discoaster artatus is distinguished from Discoaster self-trailiae, Discoaster virginianus and its variant, Discoaster gamberi, by lacking any proximal knob. Discoaster virginianus has a hexagonal proximal knob, whereas Discoaster self-trailiae has a petaloid proximal knob.

References

Varol, O. & Bowman, A. R. 2024. The New Middle Miocene Genus Olladiscoaster, and Related and Associated Discoasters. Grzybowski Foundation Special Publication, 28, 103 pp.