A more detailed genetical study confirmed that there was almost no gene flow between the two taxa, not even in regions were they coexist,[4] which justifies the split into separate species.

Other marks are irregular, coarse ridges on the shell and an internal rib with a basal tooth in the peristome, visible as yellow structure from the outside.

[7][9] While the gross anatomy of the reproductive system is similar to that of the genus Trochulus and its congener N. scheerpeltzi,[6][9] Noricella oreinos can be unambiguously differentiated by the internal fold pattern of the penis.

Its vertical distribution reaches from the lower subalpine regions to the alpine ecotone, i.e. elevations of 1,400–2,300 metres (4,600–7,500 ft).

[9][12][13] Like the helicid snail Cylindrus obtusus, this species is suspected to be an ancient native East-alpine endemic, which survived the glacial times on ice-free parts of the north-eastern alpine margins.