Discoaster vandekampiorum

Discoaster vandekampiorum Varol & Bowman, 2024

This species has six strongly tapering arms terminating in bifurcation, a large central area with sutural ridges created by deep cavities on the distal side, and a platform developed by ridges on the proximal side. The diameter of the proximal platform is smaller than that of the central area. The arms of the segments are significantly shorter than the diameter of the central area.

In honours of Niels and Fulya Van de Kamp, Mam-moet and Shell, respectively, Singapore.

Maximum diameter: 9.51 µm, Diameter of the central area: 4.41 µm, Length of the arms: 2.55 µm (measurements from bright field micrograph), Maximum height: 4.59 µm (measurement from cross-polarised micrograph).

Discoaster vandekampiorum differs from Discoaster musicus and Discoaster sanmiguelensis by having strongly tapering segments. Discoaster vandekampiorum is further distinguished from Discoaster musicus by having a proximal platform created by ridges, whereas the latter has proximal ridges that meet in the middle of the central area. Discoaster vandekampiorum is identified from Discoaster carneyi by having a proximally bulged central area with a platform formed by the ridges on the proximal side. De Kaenel et al. (2017) mentioned a small proximal knob in their description of Discoaster carneyi but provided no evidence.

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.