This is also a wide ranging species, having a similar geographic distribution to Euplica turturina. The shell is strombiform rather than globose, 6 to 9 mm long at maturity with 4.5 to 5.5 teleoconch whorls, spirally ribbed, with a nodulose shoulder. The columella often has a pale pink stain. Shell colour and pattern vary greatly in this species; specimens collected at Ambon tend to be white, with a pale brown band around the middle two-thirds of the whorl, and dark brown speckles overlain in the middle of the band. The protoconch is usually 4 whorls, white, with axial threads. Early whorls have similar sculpture to the body whorl; they are spirally grooved, and nodulose at the periphery.

Protoconch of about 3,5 finely axially ribbed whorls; Teleoconch with a subsutural row of more or less distinctly developed nodules, which may be prolonged by axial ribs. Spiral striae may extend over the whole shell, or be limited to the base. All intermediates exist between these forms, and after studying over 1 000 specimens, we conclude that it is quite impossible to separate more than one species, and that synonyms include C nana. Colour varies from white to light brown, with irregular white blotches throughout and particularly on shoulder. Adult length varies from 5,8 to 10,2 mm. Found alive under stones down to 12 m, or in pools, also empty shells found on beaches. Common. Distribution: Widely spread in the Indo-West Pacific.

Small and biconical. White to light brown with irregular white blotches mainly on shoulder. Axial ribs strong, about 10 on penultimate whorl, forming a weak shoulder near top of each whorl, bearing distinct subsutural nodules; ribs becoming obsolete on lower part of last whorl, sometimes restricted to a row of pleats near top of whorl. Spiral sculpture of close-set, flat ridges, more rounded on base, sometimes limited to base. Columella callus with about 5 outer nodules and 2 inner ones, outer edge of callus deposit slightly raised. Outer lip with 8-9 pleat-like teeth. Length ca 10 mm. Distribution and habitat: Indo-West Pacific to northern Transkei, living under stones, intertidally and down to at least 12 m.
Note: Differs from Euplica ionida in its larger size and spiral sculpture. Uncommon. On rare occasions found living in crevices on the underside of rocks in low-tide pools. Types: Columbella varians, syntypes, in BMNH; type loc. Lord Hood's Is. (S. Marutea, Tuamotu Is.).