N. testa lanceolata, turrita, crassa, anfractibus 6, convexiusculis, spiraliter sulcato-striatis, longitudinaliter 8 costata; costis distantibus, fortibus, distinctis; anfractu ultimo ½ lingitudinis testae aequante, apertura ovata, canali brevi; labro externo crasso, simplici; labro columellari reflexo, albo; cauda alba; anfractibus fuscis, obscure albofasciatis. (Forbes.)
This is typically very distinct from N. mendica with its seven or eight distant prominent shouldered ribs, but specimens are not rare which, commencing with the numerous ribs of N. mendica, suppress alternate ones and increase the prominence of those remaining on the body-whorl. There are also specimens intermediate in form and number of longitudinal ribs and even some in which the ribs are obsolete on the body-whorl. As it is generally recognized as a distinct species, it may be convenient to retain its name as a variety. (Tryon, Manual of Conchology.)
TYPE in British Museum? Type locality, said to be Sandwich Islands, but it may have been a ballast shell.
RANGE. Puget Sound to San Diego, California.