This "species" is not always readily distinguished from vulgata. Typically it is more elongated than vulgata, depressed, with the apex nearer to the anterior end, and the primary ribs are stronger and sharper, resulting in a more definitely corrugated margin. Other differences are that the interior is porcellanous whitish, with the head scar pale orange, radial colour lines are subobsolete to obsolete, and the colour of the foot of the animal is cream to orange, as opposed to grey-green in vulgata.

Apex of shell clearly anterior to centre; ridges on outer surface often in triplets; posterior end of aperture straight; inside of shell bluish white with yellow-orange colour centrally. Marginal tentacles of mantle skirt in two series and always with some white pigment; sole of foot apricot yellow. Whilst resembling that of P. vulgata in general, this shell is always rather flat, the anterior end distinctly narrower than the posterior, which is often angulated by the ends of prominent posterolateral ridges and straight between their points. The tubercles on the radial ridges may be prominent. Up to 50 mm long, 40 mm broad, 20 mm high. The animal is like P. vulgata but differs in its colouring- cream or yellowish.

P. aspera may be recognized by the lack of ridges in the main anteroposterior axis and by the presence of broad and prominent mid-lateral pigment bands which follow a straight course from centre to edge of the shell (Bowman, 1981).

P. aspera lives lower on the beach than vulgata, prefers damp places, stands exposure to rough seas better and may be the common species of limpet on exposed shores. It is found on all suitable shores throughout the British Isles except those lying between the Thames and the Humber. It is a southern species extending to the Mediterranean.