Nannotax Enabling nannofossil research

Description: Symmetric 5-rayed species with simple ray tips. Intergrades with D. hamatus.

Remarks: D. bellus is a name available for non-birefringent symmetrical pentaradial discoasters with simple ray ends, and small central areas. Such forms occur commonly in association with D. hamatus (q.v.), and arguably intergrade with them, but in order to preserve the biostratigraphic value of D. hamatus it is important to separate unambiguous D. hamatus specimens from these more non-descript froms. Also D. bellus persists at low abundances after the LO of D. hamatus, and probably gives rise to D. quinqueramus.

Range: NN8 to 11