Shell of medium size to 30mm, fusiform, protoconch of 4 to 4,5 purple, glassy whorls. Early whorls with 4 to 6 flat-topped spiral cords. Cords weakly bisected by longitudinal grooves giving some cords a segmented appearance. Interstices, between ribs with close-set, deeply punctate grooves, giving edges of cords a scalloped appearance under magnification. Outline of sides nearly straight, suture distinct, shallow. Body whorl with 16 to 20 flat-topped spiral cords. Cords of uniform size throughout body whorl. Cords separated by deep punctate spiral grooves, punctations gradually grow weaker towards base. Aperture narrow, smooth within. Columella with 4 or 5 folds (teeth). Shell white with raised, spiral cords, cords brown, interrupted by white flame-like longitudinal streaks, aperture ivory-white, apex of shell stained dark-purple, stain wears off leaving an opaque-white protoconch. Animal: sole of foot milky-white, upper tool white, mottled with red-brown spots, streaks and blotches; eyestalks mostly brown with some tiny white spotting, siphon white with dense red-brown spots.

Mitra heinickei n. sp. has been confused with Mitra (Tiara) rehderi J. H. Webb, 1958.). M heinickei differs from M. rehderi in being smaller, more slender, less sculptured and without a channeled suture. This species is perhaps most closely related to M maui Kay, 1979, reported herein for the first time from the Philippine Islands. Comparison of the holotype of both species illustrate that M heinickei is generally smaller, more slender, with cords closer together and flatter; the color pattern of the two species differs, M. maui having interrupted brown dashes on the tops of the cords. M. heinickei having nearly solid brown lines on the tops of the cords, interrupted only by thin, white longitudinal flames crossing the body whorl cords. A live collected specimen has an intact, thin, transparent yellow periostracum. Etymology. Named in honor of Mr. Hans-Heinrich Heinicke of Bremen, Germany for bringing this species to the attention of the senior author many years ago.

Type locality. Balicasag Isl., Bohol, Philippine Islands. Habitat. In sand and rubble, 180 to 240 meters. Range. Philippine Islands, in 180-240 m.