Discoaster gardiae Varol & Bowman, 2024
A small, symmetrical pentagonal species has non-ta-pering segments with short arms with notched terminations (it is apparent in the microscope but indistinct in photos). The distinct proximal ridges without any knob decorate the bulged proximal side, and sutural ridges created by the deep cavities are present on the distal side.
In honour of Dr Gunilla Gard, nannofossil specialist, San Antonio, Texas, USA.
Maximum diameter: 5.93 µm, Diameter of the central area: 3.68 µm, Length of arms: 1.12 µm, Maximum height: 5.00 µm (measurements from bright field micrograph).
Discoaster gardiae is distinguished from Discoaster bengalica and Discoaster asymmetroivrachiones by being smaller and having non-tapering arms with notched termination. Discoaster bengalica is also a symmetrical species with tapering arms with bifurcated termination. Discoaster asymmetroivrachiones have an asymmetrical outline with strongly tapering arms with simple terminations.
Varol, O. & Bowman, A. R. 2024. The New Middle Miocene Genus Olladiscoaster, and Related and Associated Discoasters. Grzybowski Foundation Special Publication, 28, 103 pp.