Cancellaria spirata: Protoconch with 2 smooth, shining, deviated whorls, merging gradually into main whorls, nucleus well submerged. Teleoconch 4 flatly convex whorls, turreted, deeply canaliculate. Sutures well impressed. Sculpture of numerous deeply-incised transverse lines with finer lines between, body-whorl may have over 100 on good specimens; narrow, close-set rounded axial riblets on first 2 or 3 whorls in most specimens, becoming irregular folds later and tending to disappear on body-whorl; whole sculpture crossed by fine growth lines. Umbilicus a very fine fissure behind inner-lip callus. Aperture broadly ovate, contracted either end, a short narrow open siphonal canal; columella straight, 3 strong oblique plaits, anterior plait continues to end of canal; peritreme entire, inner-lip reflected and strongly calloused over umbilical fissure; outer-lip regularly curved, reflected outwards anteriorly, sharp-edged, 12 strong lirations extending well into aperture. Colour cream with band of dark brown square blotches below suture and one or two indefinite bands below; some specimens with vertical markings below sutures continued as axial flames down body-whorl; interior white with irregular traces of brown in some specimens. Dimensions. Holotype, length 19-125 mm. Grows to 35 mm length, 22 mm breadth. Average size 28 mm x 18 mm.

Cancellaria spirata: This species is variable in length-width ratio, strength of columella plaits, and presence or otherwise of axial ribs. It closely resembles C. (Sydaphera) lactea Deshayes, but the canaliculate whorls of C. (Nevia) spirata distinguish it. Western Australian specimens generally grow to a larger size, are more prominently sculptured and with bolder markings. The species has a superficial resemblance to Zemira australis (Sowerby), family Olividae, with which it appears to be often confused by collectors, but the latter has no plaits, no canal at the shoulders, and a sharp tooth towards the anterior end of the outer lip.

Cancellaria spirata: Type locality. Garden Island, Swan River, Western Australia (32° 02' S., 115° 47' E.).
Distribution. From Bunbury, Western Australia (33° 25' S., 116° 03' E.) southwards and along southern Australian coastline to Western Port Bay, Victoria (38° 20' S., 145° 40' E.), and including Tasmania, exact localities not marked. Intertidal and subtidal.