The Appalachian tigersnail has a dull, slightly depressed shell ranging from 13 to 18 mm in diameter.

The shell is yellowish or "buckthorn brown" in color, defined by darker brown or reddish streaks that radiate outwards across the shell, running parallel to the radial ribs.

The Appalachian tigersnail is found in a wide range of habitats similar to those of its close relative, Anguispira alternata.

[5] It is typically found in mesic hardwood forests on or around decaying logs, hollow trees, or limestone outcrops.

[2] Malacologist Leslie Hubricht claims the only ′pure′ populations of Appalachian tigersnail exist in the mountains of North Carolina.