Cancellaria lactea: Protoconch: 2 smooth, shining, deviated whorls, merging gradually into main whorls, nucleus well submerged. Teleoconch 4,5 flatly convex whorls, shouldered, with strong subsutural ramp. Sutures well impressed. Sculpture of about 15 rounded axial ribs on early whorls, tending to disappear on body-whorl: about 5 vague flat cords cross anterior end of body-whorl, with occasional traces of 3 or 4 others in centre. Umbilicus a very fine fissure behind inner-lip callus. Aperture broadly ovate, contracted either end, a broad very short open siphonal canal; columella straight, 3 strong plaits, inner-lip recurved as strong callus over umbilical fissure; outer-lip flared outwards anteriorly, thickened but sharply-edged, 11 or 12 strong lirations extending well into aperture. Colour creamy-white, with cream-brown bands round body-whorl, usually leaving white bands in centre; irregular dark brown spots on top of shoulders. Dimensions. Average measurement given by Deshayes (1843: 412), length 22-25 mm, breadth 13-15 mm, which is typical. Largest specimen examined is 32 mm x 17 mm.

Cancellaria lactea: This species appears to be seldom taken alive, but quite common in many places in a beach-worn condition, and usually with signs of a number of breakages. Axial ribbing is very variable, mainly on first two or three whorls, occasionally persisting on to body-whorl in an uneven manner. Although resembling C. (Nevia) spirata in form and colour, it is easily separated by the complete lack of a canal at top of shoulders.

Cancellaria lactea: Smoky Bay, South Australia (32° 28' S., 133° 54' E.), eastwards to Western Port Bay, Victoria (38° 15' S., 145° 20' E.); northern and eastern Tasmania, southwards to Blackman's Bay, Hobart (42° 52' S., 147° 17' E.). Subtidal to 40 metres.