Shell of medium to large size for genus (32-60 mm), elongate-ovate, with high gradate spire of shouldered whorls. Protoconch of about one whorl, somewhat irregular in shape and deviated slightly from axis of shell, beginning of protoconch sunken below or raised above remainder of whorl, merging abruptly with teleoconch whorls. Teleoconch whorls regularly convex for about two whorls, then with weak shoulder that develops slightly in strength towards last whorl; whorls sloping posterior to shoulder and vertical anterior to it. Spiral sculpture of very fine close-set threads covering entire whorl surface. Axial sculpture limited to rather weak tubercles or plicae at shoulder angle.
Last whorl and up to 1,25 (mostly 0,25) of spire whorls covered in thick callus obscuring all sculpture; callus sculptured with coarse bisinuous growth striae. Last whorl on mature specimens large, up to half or more of shell height, composed of callus, shoulder very narrow, flat, not grooved, slightly convex anterior to shoulder then abruptly contracted anteriorly. Last whorl on immature specimens with flat shoulder, flat anterior to shoulder angle and bearing two prominent low cords where it contracts anteriorly; covered with rather fine flattened lirae.
Aperture lenticular, notched posteriorly and anteriorly, columella arched, covered with thick callus pad; outer lip bisinuous and produced adaperturally at anterior third. Siphonal fasciole weak. Colour pattern of light chestnut, somewhat irregular, axial bands, last whorl with four or five faint, chestnut spiral bands. Operculum chitinous, elongate oval to rhomboid, rim thickened anteriorly and produced into curved spine.
Radula triserial; central tooth with large triangular central cusp, finely serrate on free edges and projecting back over anterior margin of succeeding tooth; lateral teeth rectangular, platelike with single anteromedian cusp, triangular in shape and serrated by row of fine denticles; marginals relatively short, blunt, strongly curved, not denticulate.

Tylospira scutulata is distinguished by its high gradate spire and fine tubercles on the shoulder. The sculpture is similar to Tylospira pagodiformis but that species is squatter and has a prominent sutural channel. There seems to be no fossil species that could be regarded as its immediate ancestor.

Type locality. Botany Bay, New South Wales