Species having a planktotrophic protoconch characterized by a remarkable morphological variability. Shell solid, conic in outline, whorls either flat-sided or a little bit convex, suture deep. Last whorl is more than 60% of total height. Axially it presents some ribs large and strong, variable in number, crossed by a spiral streaking often evident in the interspaces only. Base is wholly covered by spiral belts vari-able in number and in consistency. One belt more prominent is present at the base of any whorl, white in colour. Aperture roundish, lip sharp and internally grooved. Really variable in colour: from monochromatic specimens to specimens either with maculae or lines white in colour on a ground brown in colour. Spiral belts at the base are often covered by spots brown in colour.
One of the most similar one is A. schwartziana (relatively common in the Upper Adriatic) which is recognizable due to a protoconch with lecitotrophic development and differently sculptured, due to whorls more convex, suture less deep, due to axial ribs lengthening upon the base and due to colour which is constantly monochromatic. A. peloritana (Aradas & Benoit, 1874), species endemic of Straits of Messina area (Sicily - Italy), is considered by CLEMAM as a synonym of this species. Average measures of adult specimens reach 4 mm in height.

Habitat: it lives in the infralittoral zone on stiff substrata rich in vegetation.
Distribution: it can be found all over the Mediterranean. It is one of the most common species of its genus.