The orifice and general shape are similar to those of D. minuta, the color and color pattern being the determining characteristics. D. variegata may be unicolored or with a secondary color in addition. When unicolored, it is white or cream. When the secondary color is present, it is in the form of color triangles which are generally brownish or olivaceous. The color triangles in this subspecies are solid, the color appearing on both the ribs and in the spaces between, while in D. minuta the color triangles have only the radiating ribs pigmented. The sculpture may be the same, but occasional examples of D. variegata show a reticulated pattern rather than the usual one of fairly strong radiating ribs crossed by fine concentric threads.

The Bahama Islands and south to the northern Lesser Antilles. The type locality is St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.