The size of the shell varies between 15 mm and 45 mm. The very thick, solid and heavy, imperforate shell has a conical and elevated shape. Its color is yellowish or pinkish, marked with narrow angular patches or interrupted longitudinal oblique stripes of black. The spire is strictly conical. The apex is acute. The sutures are linear. The eight whorls are encircled by weakly granose lirae, separated by narrow impressed lines. The periphery is nearly smooth. The base of the shell is smooth or lirate, and eroded in front of the oblique aperture. The outer lip is thick within, smooth, bevelled to an edge. The oblique columella bears in the middle a heavy tubercle, and is at the base less prominently toothed.Tryon (1889), Manual of Conchology XI, Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia (described as Chlorostoma pellisserpentis)
