Shell oblong-fusiform, moderately small (5-15 mm), apex sharp, whorls convex, with a moderately deep suture, aperture fairly narrow, siphonal canal not terminally notched, prelabral varix present; axial ribs thin and close, crossed by spiral lirae, whose intervals bear fine spiral threads, which in turn are more or less cancellated by microscopic collabral threads, border of suture minutely prickly, columella callus very thin, smooth except for a weak parietal denticle or pad, outer lip with weak transverse plicae or a few posterior denticles. Protoconch conical, of 3-4 whorls, one or more of later whorls with opisthocline, arcuate axial ribs [in type species, at least, these ribs are replaced on base of each whorl by short prosocline riblets]. Radula consisting of hypodermic marginals; shaft short, base with a prominent spur, tip of tooth sharp but without blades or barbs, enfolding of plate secured by internal buttresses, basal opening large, distal opening fairly long.
Notes: This genus is proposed for Mangelia lyrica, which resembles Eucithara in general shell characters, but possesses different marginal teeth; these lack barbs and blades, but bear a basal spur, which presumably facilitates gripping of the tooth by the proboscis. There is some resemblance in shell form to various Caribbean and tropical West American species referred to Tenaturris Woodring, 1928, but the radula of these (McLean 1971: figs. 134, 135) bears a powerful recurved barb, more comparable to that of true Eucithara. In Gingicithara the microsculpture is spiral or cancellate and the outer lip bears internal ridges or denticles, at least posteriorly, unlike any species hitherto referred to Tenaturris.