The fossil species is quite convincingly distinguished by a globose shape and much finer sculpture in which the spiral elements clearly dominate.

The holotype of D. tinei is also globose but has a coarse sculpture with nodose cords, whereas the common form (including that on photographs herein) should go to Danilia costellata if two species are really to be separated.

The imperforate, solid, light brown shell has a conoidal shape with a rounded body whorl and base.

The remainder whorls are clathrate, encircled bv strong spiral lirae, crossed by elevated, lamellar, regular, vertical striae.

The columella is short, vertical with a fold above at the insertion and a strong fold-like tooth below, separated from the plicate basal lip by a deep, narrow, notch.