Shell to 72.0 mm in length, cylindri-cally ovate and ventricose, solid, teleoconch of 6-7 slightly convex whorls, protoconch of 1.5-2 small, nipple-like embryonic whorls; post-embryonic whorls with spiral striae, spiral sculpture generally becoming obsolete on the last 2 whorls; bodv whorl suture irregularly nodulose, base of shell with up to 14 weak, oblique cords. Aperture longer than the spire, broad, flaring anteriorly, smooth within, outer lip moderately thickened and with 7-10 small, brown-lined nodules on the edge, columella calloused and with 5-6 strong, oblique folds. White or cream in color, ornamented with spiral rows of very small brown spots and one or two dark brown bands which are frequently interrupted or even absent, aperture porcellaneous-white.

This species is not similar to any other species of the genus Pterygia and a confusion is therefore unlikely. As in Scabricola (Swainsonia) casta (Gmelin), the dark reddish-brown periostracum in P. nucea is fugitive and is easily worn off.

Range - From E. Africa to Japan and Polynesia. Habitat In coral sand, in lagoons and on sand banks, from the intertidal zone to a depth of 10 m.