The spire is composed of seven whorls, rounded and swollen at the upper part, especially the lowest, which is larger than all the others united.

The inner lip is thin, white and shining and partially covers the body of the shell.

The columella arcuated and terminates at the base by a sharp, and slightly projecting keel.

The exterior of the shell is red or fawn-colored, ornamented with an articulated band of white and violet upon the upper edge of the whorls, with waved longitudinal yellow or red spots, the tint of which is sometimes very deep, and often very pale.

Sometimes its ground is red; and white, undulated, very crowded flames, or brown and distant longitudinal lines ornament it from one end to the other.