[1] Not to be confused with Purpura Jousseaume, 1880, a synonym of Bolinus Pusch, 1837 [2] The genus Purpura is characterised by having large shells with large apertures, a concave columella and no external calcitic layer.

The aperture is ovate, large, with an oblique channel or groove at the fore part.

[4] The Purpura and related genera inhabit the seas both of temperate and tropical climates.

Many species produce a fluid which gives a dull crimson dye, whence their name of purple shells.

Their egg-cases are membranous, oval or spheroidal, sometimes solitary, sometimes united in masses, each sac containing many embryos.