Axial ribs rounded, extending from suture to suture and onto base, ca 9 on last whorl. Spiral sculpture of narrow, low well-spaced ridges, interspaces with microscopic threads. Columella with 1-2 basal pleats. Outer lip ridged within. Dark brown with pale spiral ridges, protoconch red, base of last whorl sometimes blackish. 30 mm.
Distribution and habitat: Jeffreys Bay to southern Natal, down to 100 m.
Note: Washes ashore, but usually in a worn condition. Moderately rare.
Types: Latirus bairstowi, syntypes in OXUM, type loc. Port Elizabeth.