Spire moderately high, angle usually 60-70°. Shell width approximately half shell length. Aperture slightly longer than spire. Periphery of body whorl situated approximately half way up shell. Sculptured by either (a) weak to fairly strong spiral ribs, typically between 10 and 14 on body whorl, with fine spiral striae on and inbetween ribs, occasionally with deeper spiral striae on the rib, or (b) by numerous fine spiral striae throughout. Whorls with slight to no depression below suture; upper whorls typically bulging outwards and convex in profile, sometimes with deep sutures. Aperture usually plicate internally, occasionally smooth internally but crenulated at edge. Pale brown parietal scar usually present, sometimes absent. Periostracum thin, papery, brownish-yellow. Shell colour reddish-brown to brown to pale brown, sometimes mottled, sometimes with pale whitish-brown spiral bands present on part or entire shell, but most noticeable on body whorl. Aperture usually white, sometimes light mauve-brown. Live specimens covered by the bryozoan Alcyonidium nodosum. Proboscis flesh coloured. Maximum shell length 58 mm.

Burnupena papyracea is a relatively common species and occurs in deep pools in the low intertidal zone or subtidally in boulder-strewn habitats. Together with B. pubescens and the new species described below as B. denseliriata, it is covered by a bryozoan (which has only been identified with certainty as Alcyonidium nodosum in B. papyracea), and positive identification of these three species of Burnupena almost always necessitates the removal of the bryozoan. All three species co-occur in False Bay, often in mixed populations. They are genetically distinct, even in areas where they are sympatric, justifying their separation as valid species (Dempster 1995a). Morphologically, B. papyracea can usually be distinguished from both of the other species by the lack of axial ridges on the spire and the convex profile of the collective whorls (Figs 32-36). However, in some specimens of B. pubescens and B. denseliriata the axial ridges are not obvious, making identification more difficult. Specimens of B. papyracea never possess alternating dark and pale dashes, which are commonly seen in specimens of B. pubescens and B. denseliriata. B. papyracea can also be distinguished from B. denseliriata by the number of spiral ribs or ridges on the body whorl, with B. papyracea typically having between 10 and 14, whereas B. denseliriata has more than 14.

From Luderitz (Namibia) on the west coast, extending to Transkei on the south coast, where it is uncommon.