Discoaster puvillandii

Discoaster puvillandii Varol & Bowman, 2024

These hexagonal species have segments with very short parallel-sided arms with notched terminations, 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. A careful focus is required for the identification of the very short arms; otherwise, it can be confused with the Discoaster catinatus.

At the side view, Discoaster puvillandii resembles a top.

In honour of Xavier Puvillandii, Shell, Houston, Texas, USA.

Maximum diameter: 6.54 µm, Diameter of the central area: 4.82 µm, Length of the arms: 0.86 µm (including bifurcation); Maximum Height: 4.72 µm (measurements from bright field micrograph)

Discoaster puvillandii differs from Discoaster artatus by having parallel-sided arms with notched termination, whereas the latter species has tapering arms with pointed termination. Discoaster puvillandii is distinguished from Olladiscoaster catinatus because it has short arms, but the latter species lacks any.

Varol, O. & Bowman, A. R. 2024. The New Middle Miocene Genus Olladiscoaster, and Related and Associated Discoasters. Grzybowski Foundation Special Publication, 28: 1-103 pp.