This species is similar to Granata sulcifera (below) and does not warrant a full rede-scription. It differs most obviously in shape and colour, having a distinctly more elongate
aperture (ratio of maximum:minimum aperture diameter 1.25-1.40 in G. cumingii compared with 1.04-1.16 in G. sulcifera) and a more consistent colour pattern of reddish or reddish brown spots on a cream ground that remain distinct even on the last adult whorl. In addition, the sculpture of G. cumingii is somewhat coarser, the axial pliculae more crispate and regular, and the interstices more obviously iridescent. Although smaller, the three specimens listed below, are almost identical with the holotype and are undoubtedly conspecific therewith.
Besides mention in late nineteenth century iconographies (Sowerby 1874; Pilsbry 1890 in 1890-91), this species seems not to have been discussed in the literature subsequent to its original description. No locality data accompanied the holotype and, until now, the provenance of the species has remained unknown. Granata lyrata (Pilsbry, 1890), from Japan, which is also reportedly more strongly sculptured than G. sulcifera (Sasaki 2000), as a less elongate aperture and has greyish rather than reddish maculations. Microsculpture: Similar to that of G. sulcifera. Protoconch: Missing in all available specimens. Operculum: Oligospiral; like that of G. sulcifera. Radula: Unknown.
Type material: Holotype of Stomatella cumingii A. Adams, 1854, in NHMUK( 1968201), maximum diameter 31.1 mm, height 19.8 mm (Fig. 63); provenance unknown.

Known only from the tropical western Indian Ocean, from southern Kenya and northern Mozambique to southern Madagascar; has been found living intertidally, on a rock on a muddy substratum, near low water.