[4] The various tribes belong to this subfamily because of the unifying features in their radula.

The Emargulini have a caplike shell with a slit in the margin but without an apical opening (foramen).

The Scutini have a flat shield-shaped shell with a vague indentation at the back.

The other tribes have a caplike shell with a round, oval or triangular apical opening.

The species of this subfamily can be found attached to rocks or coral.