Clathrodrillia nautica: The shell is turrited, acute, chestnut brown, with 2,5 rounded, smooth nuclear and ten later whorls, which are rather strongly convex. Suture impressed, wavy. Upper half of each whorl concave, the anal fasciole with strongly arched growth lines and a few faint spiral striae, a low, waved keel between suture and fasciole. Lower half of whorl with about sixteen strong, rounded axial ribs about equal to their intervals, crossed by four spiral cords. On the last whorl there are 14 ribs, with several small ones intercalated on the basal slope, crossed by about 20 spiral cords. Anterior to the fasciole, several below the periphery tubercular where they cross the ribs. Outer lip thin, not varicose, the anal sinus rather deep. Anterior canal rather narrow, short and straight.
Length 18 mm., diam. 6.6 mm.

Clathrodrillia nautica: The type and two other specimens dredged at Acapulco do not seem to be quite fully adult, as the lip is quite thin, and there is no callus in the posterior angle of the aperture. It is not a typical Clathrodrillia, but until fully mature shells are found, may be left in that group. While resembling C. paziana Dall in general form, it differs in numerous details of sculpture.

Clathrodrillia nautica: Mexico. Acapulco, in about 20 fathoms .