Olladiscoaster lepidus

Olladiscoaster lepidus Varol & Bowman, 2024

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.

From the Latin lepidus, glamorous – refers to its charming appearance.

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)

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.

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.